Authentic Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Home Cooks

There’s something about a slow cooker meal that feels like a warm hug, especially when that meal brings the sunshine of Hawaii right into your kitchen. This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a dish that captures the spirit of island living: sweet, tangy, easy-going, and downright irresistible.

This recipe has a special place in my heart. Every summer growing up, our backyard would transform into a tropical oasis. String lights, laughter, and the smell of slow-cooked chicken with pineapple wafting through the air. My grandmother would set up her trusty old crockpot early in the morning, and by dinner, we’d have a mouthwatering dish that brought everyone together. That magical blend of pineapple sweetness and smoky BBQ sauce became a staple of our family’s summer table—and today, I’m passing it on to you.

Whether you’re planning a laid-back gathering, feeding your family after a busy day, or just craving something tropical, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken delivers on all fronts.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

This recipe is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a low-effort, high-flavor celebration of summer in every bite. Here’s why it’s a must-make:

1. Tropical Island Flavors

The harmony of pineapple and barbecue sauce brings a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that mirrors classic Hawaiian-inspired dishes.

2. Set It and Forget It

The slow cooker does all the work. Just toss in your ingredients, go about your day, and return to a house that smells like paradise.

3. Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing

It’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or a cozy family dinner. Plus, it can be used in bowls, wraps, sliders, tacos—you name it.

4. Easy to Customize

Prefer spicier dishes? Want more veggies? This recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for 4 Servings

Here’s what you’ll need to bring the island to your plate:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use thighs for extra juiciness)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (a smoky, sweet variety works best)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for brightness)

Equipment You’ll Need

Preparing Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is easy when you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make the process smooth from start to finish:

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker (4–6 quart):
  Essential for slow cooking the chicken until it’s tender and flavorful.
• Mixing Bowl:
  Used to combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple, and seasonings before pouring over the chicken.
• Small Whisk or Fork:
  Perfect for mixing the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce toward the end of cooking.
• Serving Utensils:
  For dishing up the chicken and sauce over rice or into wraps, with minimal mess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Place Chicken in Crockpot

Lay the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot. No searing necessary!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, pineapple chunks, brown sugar, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Pour this tropical goodness over the chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on:

• Low for 6–7 hours
• High for 3–4 hours

The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Step 4: Optional – Thicken the Sauce

Want a sticky, luscious sauce? Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, stir it into the sauce, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Then return the chicken and stir to coat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this dish is in its versatility. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken:

Classic with Rice

Serve the chicken over jasmine or basmati rice. For a tropical twist, try coconut rice made with coconut milk and a pinch of salt—similar to flavors in our Cheesy Rice Recipe.

Hawaiian Tacos

Fill small tortillas with shredded chicken, crunchy slaw, and pineapple salsa for a perfect summer bite. Pair it with something fresh on the side, like our vibrant Pineapple Casserole.

Luau Bowls

Build a hearty bowl with chicken, brown rice, sautéed veggies, and a drizzle of extra sauce—reminiscent of comfort-food style meals like our Vegetarian Lasagna Soup.

Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the chicken in large romaine or butter lettuce leaves. Need wrap ideas? Our Cottage Cheese Wrap is another healthy favorite.

Sliders

Pile the chicken onto Hawaiian rolls for bite-sized sliders at your next gathering. For a BBQ-style twist, check out our BBQ Chicken Sandwich.

Make It Your Own – Customizations and Variations

• Go Spicy: Add Sriracha or jalapeños for some heat—just like we do in our Pineapple Chili Salmon.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a bit of coconut cream before serving.
• Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots during the last hour of cooking.
• Try it with Pork: This sweet-savory sauce is just as delicious with pork shoulder or chops.

Tips & Tricks

• Use Thighs for Rich Flavor: Chicken thighs are ideal for the slow cooker—they stay tender and juicy even after hours.
• Double the Batch: This recipe scales beautifully—perfect for meal prepping or parties.
• Sauce Quality Matters: Use a good-quality BBQ sauce or make your own for a deeper flavor.
• Frozen Chicken: Be sure to thaw fully before adding to the crockpot for food safety.

How to Store and Reheat

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of pineapple juice or water. This method is similar to how we reheat meals like our Seafood Boil in a Bag.

Healthy Swaps (Optional)

Want to make a lighter version? Try these:

• Use low-sugar BBQ sauce.
• Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for lower sodium.
• Skip the brown sugar—the pineapple brings plenty of natural sweetness.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad, like the fresh ones in our Roam Diet Recipes.

Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 2g

Summer Pairing Ideas

No Hawaiian-inspired meal is complete without the right pairings. Here are a few crowd-pleasers to serve alongside your crockpot chicken:

Tropical Coleslaw

Cabbage, carrots, mango, and a tangy lime dressing.

Grilled Pineapple

Lightly caramelized on the grill for a smoky-sweet side.

Coconut Lime Rice

Fragrant and rich, the perfect base for soaking up the sweet sauce.

Pineapple Mojito Mocktail

A refreshing non-alcoholic drink with pineapple juice, mint, lime, and soda water.

FAQ About Authentic Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Home Cooks

Conclusion: Your Ticket to a Mini Hawaiian Staycation

With minimal prep and a burst of sunshine in every bite, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is everything you need to make dinner magical. It’s that rare combination of easy and extraordinary just toss, cook, and enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard luau or looking for something new for family dinner night, this dish promises to transport your taste buds straight to the islands.

Mahalo for stopping by and don’t forget to share your version of this recipe in the comments or tag me in your tropical creations!

Authentic Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Home Cooks

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tender, slow-cooked dish with pineapple, soy sauce, and garlic, served over rice for a sweet and savory meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger grated
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 tablespoons green onions chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Place chicken into the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over it.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
• Remove chicken and set aside.
• In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
• Stir the slurry into the crockpot sauce.
• Turn the heat to high and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
• Return the chicken to the crockpot, add pineapple chunks, and stir to coat.
• Serve hot over rice and garnish with green onions.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
• Sear the chicken first for added depth and texture.
• Add fresh pineapple at the end for a bright, juicy finish.

Keyword Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken