Craving a taste of sunshine in the midst of your weeknight rush? Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the answer you didn’t know you needed. Juicy chicken bites are simmered with tangy pineapple juice, sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, and a hint of hoisin for a tropical flair that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas as it cooks. Every tender morsel is coated in an irresistibly glossy, sweet-savory sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything on your plate. If you love “set it and forget it” meals that deliver big on flavor with minimal effort, give this recipe a spot on your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken lies in its straightforward ingredient list — nothing fancy, just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of tropical touches. Each item brings something unique to the party: juiciness, aroma, color, or a little sticky sweetness.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum tenderness and effortless serving.
- Pineapple Juice: Pure tropical flavor in every drop, this is what makes the sauce taste like a vacation.
- Brown Sugar: Adds caramel sweetness and helps the sauce thicken to that perfect glossy texture.
- Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with just the right amount of savory depth.
- Hoisin Sauce: A little goes a long way, bringing subtle complexity and an umami punch.
- Minced Garlic: Just a teaspoon is all you need for aromatic warmth that wakes up the whole dish.
- Cornstarch: Your secret weapon for that luscious, cling-to-the-chicken sauce consistency.
- Green Onions (for garnish): A sprinkling at the end adds fresh color and a mild bite.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about one inch each. Not only does this help the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy, but it also makes serving and eating a breeze — no knife required at the table!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk it all together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is where the tropical magic begins!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour the cut chicken pieces into the insert of your crockpot (a 4 to 4 ½ quart slow cooker works perfectly). Reserve a quarter cup of the sauce you just whisked up, then pour the remaining mixture over the chicken. Gently stir so every piece is coated in that gorgeous, fragrant sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to LOW for 4 hours. During this time, the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken slowly soaks up all the bright, sweet, and savory flavors, becoming beautifully tender in the process.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
When the timer beeps, remove the lid. Take the reserved ¼ cup of sauce and whisk in the cornstarch until completely smooth. Pour this cornstarch mixture into the crockpot with the chicken and gently stir to combine everything.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Switch the crockpot to HIGH and cook uncovered for another 30 to 45 minutes. This helps the sauce bubble and thicken until it glazes the chicken pieces beautifully. A final sprinkle of thinly-sliced green onions adds fresh color and crispness right before serving.
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish is key to bringing out its vibrant, island-inspired personality. A shower of thinly sliced green onions not only looks stunning against the golden sauce, but adds a pop of crunch and gentle zest. For extra flair, scatter a few sesame seeds or even a smattering of diced fresh pineapple over the top just before bringing it to the table.
Side Dishes
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy white or jasmine rice that can soak up all that delicious sauce. For something a bit heartier, try it with coconut rice or even a side of garlicky sautéed green beans. If you’re aiming for a truly tropical plate, serve it alongside grilled pineapple rings or a crisp cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
This chicken is impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight! Pile it into lettuce cups for a light, fresh taco night, spoon it over a bowl of rice topped with chopped veggies for a Hawaiian-inspired grain bowl, or serve it as sliders with a bit of crunchy slaw for the ultimate party food. Its versatility means Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken never gets boring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have a little extra Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken impossibly tender, and the flavors deepen overnight — making next-day lunches extra tasty!
Freezing
This dish is a freezer-friendly dream. Let the chicken cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop portions of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken in the microwave, or warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of extra pineapple juice or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until hot throughout, and you’re good to go!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cutting into pieces. This helps the sauce cling and ensures the chicken cooks evenly in the crockpot.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe; they’re extra juicy and add a richer flavor. Just trim the excess fat and cut them into pieces as you would with breasts.
Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, use extra soy sauce plus a teaspoon of honey and a dash of five spice powder for a similar depth of flavor. The sweet and salty combination is key for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha into the sauce before cooking. The sweet and heat combo is hard to resist!
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap in tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, then being rewarded with a dish that tastes like a trip to the islands. Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is pure weeknight delight that never fails to wow the crowd. Give it a try, and get ready for rave reviews from everyone at your table!
Print
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the sweet and tangy flavors of the tropics. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a busy day, as it cooks itself in the crockpot, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauce:
- ¾ cup 100% pineapple juice
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Garnish:
- 1–2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Place Chicken: Place the chicken breast pieces into the crockpot.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and garlic.
- Cook: Pour sauce over chicken, cook on low for 4 hours.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch with reserved sauce, pour into crockpot, cook on high for 30-45 minutes.
- Garnish: Garnish with green onions before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
