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!

plated sweet hawaiian chicken meal

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.

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.

overhead view of plated food
  • 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.

overhead view of a bowl of sauce

In a bowl, blend together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper until they are thoroughly mixed.

chicken breasts and sauce added to lined crockpot

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.

close up view of chicken on a plate with dip, rice, and macaroni salad

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.
a hand dipping sweet hawaiian chicken in dip

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.
close up view of plated Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with a small saucer of sauce, and rice

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.

f plated Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with a small saucer of sauce, macaroni salad, and rice

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.

overhead view of chicken, macaroni salad, rice, and sauce

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.

overhead view of plated food

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.

plate of chicken with dip and sides

Looking for other Hawaiian recipes like this Hawaiian chicken recipe? Try these:

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How to Make Spam Musubi
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Crispy and Flavorful Chicken Katsu
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The Best Spam Fried Rice
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plated Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with a small saucer of sauce, macaroni salad, and rice
5 stars (1 review)

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Servings: 4 servings
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Author: Tamara J.
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a sweet and savory pineapple sauce. The easy 5-ingredient recipe has a tropical taste the whole family will enjoy!
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 large Chicken breast, boneless skinless
  • 1 cup Pineapple juice
  • ⅓ cup Soy sauce
  • ½ cup Brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions
 

  1. Cut the cleaned chicken breast into large chunks using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Place the chicken into the crockpot. 
  2. Combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper in a bowl and stir it up until it is fully combined. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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!

Equipment

Domino Light Brown Sugar 1 Lb 2 Pack
Kikkoman Soy Sauce, 10 Fl Oz
Kikkoman Soy Sauce, 10 Fl Oz
WhiteRhino Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids Set of 3（4.5QT,2.7QT, 1.1QT), Large Kitchen Salad Bowls, Space-Saving Nesting Bowls, Round Glass Serving Bowls for Cooking,Baking,Prepping,Dishwasher Safe
WhiteRhino Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids Set of 3（4.5QT,2.7QT, 1.1QT), Large Kitchen Salad Bowls, Space-Saving Nesting Bowls, Round Glass Serving Bowls for Cooking,Baking,Prepping,Dishwasher Safe
Zulay Kitchen Professional Skimmer Spoon - Stainless Steel Slotted Spoon With Extra Large Bowl & Comfortable Grip Handle - Durable Food Grade Strainer Spoon For Draining & Frying (14.5 inch)
Zulay Kitchen Professional Skimmer Spoon – Stainless Steel Slotted Spoon With Extra Large Bowl & Comfortable Grip Handle – Durable Food Grade Strainer Spoon For Draining & Frying (14.5 inch)
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker | Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker | Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Serving: 1, Calories: 231kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 51mg, Sodium: 1208mg, Sugar: 28g
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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.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.