Name: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized cubes; 1 can (20 oz.) pineapple chunks in juice (drained, juice reserved); 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces; 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces; 1 medium sweet onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces; ¾ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple chunks, add water or chicken broth if needed); ½ cup ketchup; ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed; 1 teaspoon minced or grated fresh ginger; ¼ cup cornstarch; ¼ cup water; Cooked rice; Sliced green onions (optional); Sesame seeds (optional)

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If you’re craving a meal that bursts with tropical flavor and is effortless to prepare, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine juicy chicken pieces simmered low and slow in a luscious sauce made from pineapple juice, tangy ketchup, and savory soy sauce, perfectly complemented by colorful bell peppers and sweet onions. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and brings a taste of the islands right to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises to be a favorite that’s as simple as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay photo shows small clear glass bowls and white ceramic containers placed on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. A central bowl contains light pink raw chicken pieces. Surrounding it are bright red chopped bell peppers, pale yellow pineapple chunks in a can, green bell pepper pieces, and white onion chunks in clear bowls. There are small white dishes holding minced garlic, minced ginger, light brown sugar labeled 1/4 cup, ketchup in a white measuring cup labeled 1/2 cup, and a dark soy sauce in a white bowl. A small clear bowl contains a white powder, a tiny clear bowl with a light liquid, plus a small white cup with clear liquid add to the mix. The arrangement is neat and colorful with a fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this flavorful masterpiece. Each component is straightforward but essential, contributing layers of sweetness, tang, and texture that make this dish shine.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender results.
1 can (20 oz.) pineapple chunks in juice: Adds natural sweetness and tropical flair; don’t forget to save the juice!
1 red bell pepper: Chopped into 1-inch pieces for color and a mild, sweet crunch.
1 green bell pepper: Also chopped into 1-inch pieces to balance the sweetness with a fresh bite.
1 medium sweet onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
¾ cup pineapple juice: Derived from the canned pineapple to keep that juicy island vibe alive.
½ cup ketchup: Brings tang and body to the sauce, making it rich and flavorful.
⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce: Provides umami and a lovely salty contrast to the sweet ingredients.
¼ cup brown sugar: Gives a caramel-like sweetness perfect for balancing acidity.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Or apple cider vinegar, introduces a touch of brightness to the sauce.
2 cloves garlic: Minced for a subtle pungent kick that complements the pineapple without overpowering it.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger: Grated or minced to add warmth and mild spice, enhancing the tropical theme.
¼ cup cornstarch: For thickening the luscious sauce to the perfect consistency.
¼ cup water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a silky slurry.
Cooked rice: Essential for soaking up the flavorful sauce and turning this into a satisfying meal.
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): For garnish that adds color, crunch, and subtle nuttiness.

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Drain the Pineapple

Start by draining the pineapple chunks, saving the juice in a measuring cup. You’ll need about three-quarters of a cup of this juice; if there’s less, simply top it up with a little water or chicken broth to get the right amount. This juice is packed with natural sweetness and acidity, which will form the backbone of your sauce.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

For an easy cleanup, spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Then, add the bite-sized chicken cubes, chopped red and green bell peppers, diced sweet onion, and the pineapple chunks. These ingredients meld beautifully in the crockpot, slowly blending their flavors as they cook.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This sauce perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes, creating that irresistible Hawaiian flavor everyone loves. Pour it over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, mixing gently so everything gets coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it cook on Low for 4 hours or on High for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and infuse into the meat, making every bite delightfully juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, prepare a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water until smooth. Turn your crockpot to High, stir in the slurry, cover, and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes. This step transforms the sauce into a glossy, thick coating that clings perfectly to the chicken and veggies.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe is now ready to serve! Spoon it generously over fluffy cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like a little extra pop of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

The image shows a thick stew with many pieces of light brown cooked chicken chunks mixed with large pieces of red and green bell peppers, pale yellow pineapple cubes, and white onion slices. The stew is thick and glossy orange-brown in color, with a smooth texture that coats all ingredients. A gray spoon is scooping some of the stew, holding chicken pieces, red pepper, pineapple, and green pepper above the mixture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top doesn’t just make the dish look beautiful; it also adds a fresh crunch and a hint of nuttiness that perfectly complements the rich sauce. You could also sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

While the chicken and rice can stand alone, pairing this dish with simple sides like steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp Asian slaw adds refreshing crunch and balances out the sweetness. A light cucumber salad or even grilled pineapple slices would also enhance the tropical vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe in pineapple boat bowls for a festive, island-inspired presentation that’s sure to impress guests. Alternatively, use it as a filling for lettuce wraps, or spoon it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option that keeps all the flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often intensify overnight, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or extra pineapple juice if the sauce has thickened too much. Serve over fresh rice for a quick and hearty meal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully and add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but slow cooking usually tenderizes thighs beautifully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe gluten-free, just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, a splash of sriracha, or diced fresh chili peppers to the sauce before cooking. The sweetness balances the spice perfectly.

What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?

If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are great substitutes. Use the same amount mixed with water to create a slurry before adding it to the crockpot.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can chop all your ingredients and mix the sauce the night before. Keep everything refrigerated separately, then add it all to the crockpot and start cooking when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe enough for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. It’s easy, vibrant, and packed with flavors that brighten any meal. Once you try it, this tropical-inspired crockpot chicken will become your go-to recipe for sharing a little sunshine with your loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!