Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is a deliciously easy meal bursting with tropical flavors. Tender chicken simmers in a sweet and savory pineapple sauce, making it perfect for a hands-off dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place it in the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
3. Step 3: Add the drained pineapple chunks and sliced red bell pepper on top. Cover the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce cook for 15 minutes to thicken.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the slow cooker, coat it well with the thickened sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Serve the chicken over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, or breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra tang or heat.
• Include chopped fresh pineapple instead of canned for a fresher taste, adjusting cooking time slightly.
• Serve with steamed vegetables to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken further when chilled; add a splash of water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcooking the outside before the inside is done.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this dish on the stovetop by simmering the chicken and sauce in a covered pan over low heat. Cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 30–40 minutes, adjusting time as needed.

Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 58 reviews

Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken simmered in a tangy pineapple and soy sauce mixture, enhanced with garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Perfectly served over rice and garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, this dish offers a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving
• Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare and Season Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste before adding the liquids for best flavor absorption.
2. Make Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined. This mixture creates a sweet and savory sauce base for the chicken.
3. Add Sauce and Vegetables: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then add the drained pineapple chunks and thinly sliced red bell pepper on top. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
4. Slow Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. Mix together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook the sauce on high for about 15 minutes until it thickens.
6. Recombine and Warm: Return the cooked chicken to the thickened sauce, coating the pieces well. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
7. Serve: Serve the saucy sweet Hawaiian chicken over cooked rice. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

• Using chicken thighs instead of breasts results in juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Drain pineapple chunks well to prevent excess liquid in the slow cooker.
• Adjust brown sugar amount to taste for a sweeter or more balanced flavor.
• If sauce is too thick, add a little water or pineapple juice to thin it.
• Serve with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Slow cooker models vary, so adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, slow cooker chicken, crock pot chicken, pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy slow cooker recipes