Hey there, friend! I can’t wait to share this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe with you. It’s one of those easy meals that feels like a little tropical getaway right in your kitchen! I stumbled upon this gem on a busy weeknight when I needed something simple but flavorful. The sweet and tangy combo of pineapple and teriyaki sauce just hits the spot, and it makes my home smell amazing as it cooks.
This dish has quickly become a family favorite! My husband and I love to serve it over a bed of rice, topped with some green onions for a pop of color. It’s one of those meals that even my picky eaters could enjoy! Plus, the best part? You can just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. If you’re looking for a great side to pair with this, check out my recipe for coconut rice—it’s a perfect match! Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- Deliciously sweet and tangy flavor from the Hawaiian barbecue sauce and pineapple
- Super tender chicken that falls apart with a fork after slow cooking
- Easy one-pot recipe – perfect for busy weeknights
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have at home
- Versatile dish; customize with your choice of veggies for extra nutrition
- Great for meal prepping – leftovers taste amazing!
- Served over fluffy white rice, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal
This recipe brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii right to your kitchen, making every bite feel like a mini vacation!
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delightful, set-it-and-forget-it dish that brings the taste of the islands right to your kitchen! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need:
- Chicken thighs or breasts – 2 lbs, boneless and skinless. I prefer thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but breasts work just fine!
- Sweet Hawaiian barbecue sauce – 1 cup. I love using a local brand that’s fresh and fruity; it really brings out those tropical flavors.
- Pineapple chunks – 1/2 cup, canned and drained. Pineapple tidbits can also work if you prefer smaller pieces.
- Soy sauce – 1/4 cup for that umami punch; I use Kikkoman because it has a great balance of salty and sweet.
- Brown sugar – 1/4 cup. You can adjust this for sweetness based on your taste; it caramelizes beautifully!
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon for some extra depth; you could also use 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic if you like.
- Grated fresh ginger – 1 tablespoon, optional. This adds a zingy freshness that I really enjoy.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Green onion – 1, chopped for garnish, which adds a nice crunch and color.
- Cooked white rice – for serving, because this chicken is just begging to be paired with it!
The Directions:
- Place the chicken into the bottom of your crockpot. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sweet Hawaiian barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and grated ginger if you’re using it. Mix well to make a delicious marinade.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated.
- Top the chicken with the pineapple chunks. This will add a lovely sweetness to the dish!
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once it’s done, use two forks to shred the chicken lightly right in the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce to soak up all that flavor.
- Serve your Sweet Hawaiian Chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice, and finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped green onion for a fresh finishing touch!
Enjoy this tropical delight with a side of steamed veggies or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in this recipe. Just note that they might dry out a bit more than thighs, so consider reducing the cooking time slightly, especially if you’re cooking on high. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re juicy!
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Hawaiian Barbecue Sauce?
If you can’t find sweet Hawaiian barbecue sauce, you can mix regular barbecue sauce with a bit of honey or pineapple juice for sweetness. Alternatively, a combination of ketchup, soy sauce, and a bit of brown sugar can work as a tasty substitute!
How to Store Leftover Sweet Hawaiian Chicken?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out when reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli! Just toss them into the crockpot with the chicken at the beginning to ensure they get tender and soak up the tasty flavors!
