This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe features juicy chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and savory pineapple sauce. The easy 5-ingredient recipe has a tropical taste the whole family will enjoy!
Enjoy the flavors of Hawaii with this sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe, no marinade required! I love to prepare it on Sundays when I'm relaxing at home before a busy week. With just 10 minutes of prep work, this hands-off recipe gets nice and tender in the slower cooker over a few hours.
Looking for more delicious crockpot recipes? Try my Beef Stew, Amazing Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, and this low and slow Black Eyed Peas Recipe.
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Ingredients
Using just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy delicious glazed Hawaiian chicken. With such a short list, each ingredient counts.
Pineapple contributes tangy sweetness but I add brown sugar for warm depth. Soy sauce adds a mouthwatering salty, umami quality and pepper adds an earthy kick.
- Chicken breast, boneless skinless
- Pineapple juice
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Black pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Begin by slicing the cleaned chicken breasts into sizable chunks using either a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Then transfer the chicken pieces into the crockpot.
In a bowl, blend together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper until they are thoroughly mixed.
Drizzle this sauce mixture over the chicken pieces in the crockpot, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated by using tongs or a large spoon to stir them gently.
Set the crockpot to high heat and allow it to cook for 4 hours, or opt for a longer cook time of 6 hours on low heat. Once done, serve the succulent chicken alongside rice, generously drizzled with the sweet Hawaiian sauce it is cooked in. Finally, enjoy!
Hint: While you can use canned pineapple juice, fresh pineapple juice yields the best results. You can even add pineapple chunks in the last hour of cooking for even more tropical flavor.
Substitutions
- Chicken - Instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, try boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Pineapple Juice - You can substitute the pineapple juice for orange juice or even apple juice.
- Sweetener - Instead of brown sugar, try a natural sweetener like honey.
Variations
- Veggies - Add bell peppers for a pop of color.
- Aromatics - Include fresh ginger or garlic for even more flavor.
- Spicy - Add jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a kick of spicy flavor.
- Thicker Sauce - Use cornstarch slurry (using either water or pineapple juice as your liquid) to thicken the consistency of the sauce.
Equipment
Trust me when I say the convenience of a crockpot is unmatched! It's as simple as combining the ingredients in the slower cooker, setting the heat, and letting it cook. Cooking low and slow tenderizes the meat for delicious sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. It lasts in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This recipe is also freezer-friendly so freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Top tip
Do not overcook the chicken breasts. While it takes 4-6 hours to make this recipe, it's easier than you think to get occupied and forget to turn it off. Overcooking can lead to dry and tough chicken so avoid this by setting a timer.
FAQ
What is Hawaiian chicken sauce made of?
Typically, Hawaiian chicken sauce is sweet and sour. Make it with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
What should I serve with sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken?
Round out your crockpot Hawaiian chicken with white rice and Hawaiian-style macaroni salad. Add a vegetable like broccoli for some extra nutrients.
Why is my crockpot chicken chewy?
If your chicken is chewy, it's been overcooked. Avoid overcooking by cooking on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours max.
Related
Looking for other Hawaiian recipes like this Hawaiian chicken recipe? Try these:
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large Chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1 cup Pineapple juice
- ⅓ cup Soy sauce
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the cleaned chicken breast into large chunks using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Place the chicken into the crockpot.
- Combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper in a bowl and stir it up until it is fully combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breast pieces and use some tongs or a large spoon to stir the chicken into the sauce to make sure each piece is fully coated.
- Plae the crockpot on high and cook for 4 hours, or cook on low for 6 hours. Serve with rice and some of the sweet Hawaiian sauce that it cooked in, and enjoy!
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Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw chicken.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
Eli says
Delicious