Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a laid-back, super tasty dish that mixes tender chicken with the bright flavors of pineapple and a hint of ginger. It’s a sweet and sticky combo that cooks slowly in the crockpot, which makes the chicken so juicy and full of character. Pineapple chunks and a simple sauce bring that tropical vibe to your dinner table without any fuss.
I love making this recipe when I want something easy but special. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and you can forget about it while it does its magic. The smell that fills the house as it cooks is like a mini vacation in your kitchen. A little tip: I like to add some chopped bell peppers or serve it over rice to soak up every bit of the sauce — it’s such a crowd-pleaser that everyone asks for seconds.
This recipe reminds me of casual family dinners and warm summer evenings, even when it’s chilly outside. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and fresh at the same time. If you’re looking for a sweet little change to your usual chicken dishes, this one is so worth trying — it’s simple, satisfying, and feels like a little happy escape from the everyday.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat. Thighs stay tender in the crockpot, which makes a difference.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds bright, natural sweetness, but canned pineapple works well too—just keep the juice to mix into the sauce. It gives the dish that classic Hawaiian vibe.
Soy Sauce: This brings a salty, umami base to the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to keep salt levels down, or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar & Ketchup: Brown sugar balances the savory with sweetness, while ketchup adds a tangy note and deep color. You can swap ketchup with tomato paste mixed with a little vinegar for a less sweet alternative.
Ginger & Garlic: These add zing and depth. Fresh ginger is best for its bright flavor, but powdered ginger can work in a pinch. Minced garlic gives a warm, aromatic kick.
How Do You Thicken the Sauce Perfectly in a Crockpot?
Slow cookers don’t thicken sauces on their own since they trap moisture. To get that glossy, thick sauce, you’ll need a cornstarch slurry.
- Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water until smooth. This keeps lumps away.
- About 15 minutes before the end, slowly stir the slurry into the crockpot sauce.
- Turn the cooker to high to help the sauce thicken as it heats up quickly.
- Keep the lid off if you want extra thickening, but watch closely to avoid drying out the chicken.
This step gives you that lovely sticky sauce that clings to the chicken and pineapple — it’s worth the little extra time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for cooking the chicken low and slow, making it tender and flavorful without much effort.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking together the sauce ingredients smoothly before pouring them over the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the sauce ingredients just right for balanced sweetness and saltiness.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the cornstarch slurry into the sauce without scratching your crockpot.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping the chicken and slicing green onions fresh for garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken breasts for a leaner option; thighs make it more juicy and tender.
- Add chopped bell peppers or snap peas in the last hour for a fresh crunch and added color.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a little heat if you enjoy spicy.
- Top with chopped macadamia nuts or cashews before serving to add a nice crunch and a hint of buttery flavor.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, with juice reserved)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and then 4-5 hours to cook on low in the crockpot (or 2-3 hours on high). Add an extra 15 minutes at the end to thicken the sauce and finish up. So, plan for about 5 hours in total when cooking on low — mostly hands-off time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken chunks in an even layer inside your crockpot. This helps the chicken cook evenly and soak up all those delicious flavors.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, minced garlic, and ginger until everything is well blended and smooth.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Scatter pineapple chunks on top for that sweet tropical touch. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours — cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
About 15 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and turn the heat to high. Let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes so the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Scoop the sweet Hawaiian chicken and pineapple over bowls of cooked white rice. Sprinkle with fresh sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a tasty, colorful finish.
Enjoy your sweet, juicy, Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish that’s perfect for easy dinners or meal prep!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This ensures even cooking and food safety.
Can I Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat gently in the crockpot or on the stove. Add the cornstarch slurry and thicken the sauce just before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, or diced carrots work great. Add them during the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp and fresh without overcooking.
