If your weeknights are always a flurry of activity, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is about to become your new lifesaver. Deliciously sweet, just a little tangy, and bursting with tropical sunshine thanks to juicy pineapple, this recipe pairs melt-in-your-mouth chicken with an impossibly flavorful sauce—all with practically zero effort on your part. With only a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a wonderful dinner simmering away while you get on with your day. The mix of savory soy, brown sugar, bell pepper, and pineapple comes together into a sticky, vibrant delight that’s perfect for spooning over fluffy rice. Honestly, it tastes like a mini vacation in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unbeatable Ease: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Perfect for those days when you barely have time to cook.
  • Bold, Sweet-and-Savory Flavor: Pineapple and brown sugar bring a natural sweetness, balanced by soy sauce and a hint of tomato and Worcestershire. The result is a sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything!
  • Minimal Cleanup: One slow cooker, one spoon. That’s it! No mountains of pots and pans to scrub at the end of a long day.
  • Versatile and Forgiving: Use what you have, swap in different proteins, or spice it up to make it your own.
  • Family Friendly: The bright sweetness appeals to all ages, and you can always add heat for those who love a kick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these kitchen staples and you’re basically ready for dinner:

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into cubes for tender, bite-sized pieces that soak up all those lovely flavors. Chicken thighs can be swapped in for extra juiciness!
  • Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free): For that essential salty, umami depth in the sauce. Taste first—some brands are very salty!
  • Tomato Paste: Adds a hint of richness and rounds out the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: The secret backbone of savory flavor—don’t skip it.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides mellow warmth and fragrance with no chopping required.
  • Brown Sugar: To boost the Hawaiian sweetness and help that sticky glaze form.
  • Black Pepper: A crack or two, for brightness and gentle heat.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Pops of color and a juicy crunch that play so well with pineapple.
  • Pineapple Chunks with Juice: The star of the show, bringing tropical tang and sweet juiciness. Don’t drain! The juice helps with the sauce.
  • Scallions: Optional, but delicious for a fresh green crunch right before serving.
  • Rice: Fluffy, comforting bed for soaking up every drop of sauce. Jasmine or basmati are especially nice, but use whatever you love!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Love to play around in the kitchen? Here are some ideas to give the recipe your personal stamp:

  • Swap the Protein: Try using boneless chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist—just cook until tender.
  • Go Veggie-Rich: Add in snap peas, broccoli florets, or thin-sliced carrots for extra crunch and color.
  • Turn up the Heat: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a handful of diced jalapeño at the start.
  • Low Sugar: Reduce the brown sugar slightly and bulk up with extra pineapple for a more natural sweetness.
  • Different Grains: Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa if you’re looking to switch things up from white rice.
  • Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped cashews or macadamia nuts on top before serving for a fun Hawaiian-inspired crunch.

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Honestly, it couldn’t be easier—here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Build the Sauce Right in Your Slow Cooker

Start by adding your soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a good pinch of black pepper straight into the slow cooker. Stir it together until it looks dark and glossy—this will be the flavor-packed base for your chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Veg

Toss in your cubed chicken breast pieces, diced red bell pepper, and the entire can of pineapple chunks (juice included—don’t let any slip away!). Give everything a gentle stir so every morsel is coated in that sauce.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Put the lid on and set your slow cooker to LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Go about your day—read, work, or relax. About 30 minutes before it’s done, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you want—maybe a splash more soy, a touch more sugar, or a bit more pepper to get it just right.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

When the chicken is irresistibly tender and the sauce has thickened into that perfect sticky glaze, it’s ready. Spoon over fluffy rice, scatter sliced scallions on top, and maybe a splash of extra pineapple juice if you’re feeling it.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Taste as You Go: Slow cookers can mellow out flavors, so always check at the end—you can always add more soy or sugar but you can’t take it out.
  • Don’t Overcook: Even in the slow cooker, chicken can get dry if left too long, especially on HIGH heat. Four hours on low is usually perfect.
  • Cube Evenly: Cutting the chicken into even pieces helps everything cook at the same speed for perfectly juicy bites.
  • Let it Rest: Give the finished dish a few minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken and cling beautifully to each bit of chicken and veggie.

How to Serve

There are so many fun ways to enjoy this dish. Here are my favorite serving ideas:

  • Classic: Ladle over warm rice and top with scallions. Jasmine or basmati both soak up the sauce like a dream!
  • Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken and sauce into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, light twist.
  • Bowl Meal: Pile on rice, extra steamed veggies, and maybe some roasted cashews for a build-your-own bowl.
  • Sandwich Style: Stuff into a toasted bun with a bit of lettuce and slaw for a Hawaiian-inspired chicken sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the chicken thoroughly, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It reheats wonderfully and the flavors seem to get even richer the next day.

Freezing

Once completely cool, portion into freezer-safe containers—rice and all, if you like. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice if needed to keep the sauce glossy and smooth.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this with frozen chicken?

    Yes! Just be sure the chicken pieces are separated (not stuck in a big frozen lump) so they cook evenly. Add a little extra time on LOW if starting from frozen.

  2. Is there a substitute for pineapple chunks?

    If you’re out of pineapple, diced fresh mango or canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) work as a fun alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but just as deliciously tropical.

  3. Can I use the Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

    Absolutely. Sauté the sauce ingredients in the pot, add everything else, then cook on high pressure for about 8-10 minutes. Use the quick release and serve.

  4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    It can be! Just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and always double-check your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands have gluten while others are safe.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken truly delivers on every front—it’s fast to prepare, practically cooks itself, and fills your kitchen with the happiest, most inviting aromas. Just a few pantry staples, a can of pineapple, and your slow cooker, and you’ve created something wonderful. This is the weeknight dinner you’ll want to keep in your back pocket, so go ahead—give it a try, savor the easy tropical vibes, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!

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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make slow cooker recipe that blends tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and bell peppers in a tangy, slightly savory sauce. Perfect for a fuss-free main course, this dish is both family-friendly and meal-prep friendly, and can be served over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Black pepper, to taste

Fruits & Garnishes

  • 8 ounces pineapple chunks (small can) with juices
  • Scallions, for garnish (optional)

To Serve

  • Rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, combine soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well-blended and form a flavorful base for the chicken.
  2. Add Chicken & Vegetables: Add the diced chicken breasts, red bell pepper, and the can of pineapple chunks with their juice directly into the slow cooker. Gently stir all ingredients so that the chicken and bell peppers are well-coated with the sauce.
  3. Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cover with the lid. Cook for 4-6 hours, or alternatively, cook on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  4. Adjust Seasoning: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning by adding extra soy sauce for saltiness or more brown sugar for sweetness, if desired.
  5. Serve: Optionally, garnish with sliced scallions. Serve the sweet Hawaiian chicken hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicy version.
  • Be cautious with the soy sauce to avoid oversalting; add gradually and taste as you go.
  • Monitor the slow cooker when using the high setting to prevent the chicken from overcooking or drying out.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 235 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 1203 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 73 mg
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Hey there, I’m Nora Blake, the foodie behind LittleSpoonBites.com! I’m here to make cooking YUMMY, EASY, and a whole lotta FUN! From cozy dinners to sweet treats, I’m all about simple recipes that taste like a warm hug. So grab a spoon, tie that apron, and let’s whip up something DELICIOUS together!

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