Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken brings tropical flair to your dinner table with minimal effort. This dish is infused with island-inspired flavors and is naturally gluten-free.
Perfect for busy weeknights, the combination of sweet pineapple and savory sauces makes this recipe a family favorite. Simply set it and forget it—your slow cooker does the rest.
Key Ingredients That Make This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Shine
Boneless skinless chicken breasts – The lean protein soaks up the bold, sweet, and tangy flavors while remaining tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
Soy sauce or tamari – Adds a deep umami base that balances the sweetness; tamari keeps it gluten-free.
Tomato paste – Enhances the savory depth and thickens the sauce subtly.
Worcestershire sauce – Brings a complex layer of umami with a hint of tang.
Garlic powder – A pantry staple that lends warmth and savory depth without overpowering.
Brown sugar – Adds mellow sweetness that highlights the tropical pineapple notes.
Red bell pepper – Offers a pop of color and a mild, sweet crunch that complements the dish.
Pineapple chunks with juice – The star ingredient that sweetens the sauce and imparts the tropical Hawaiian flair.
Cooking Up Flavor: Making Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Everything comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. First, whisk the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper directly in the pot. Add cubed chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple with juice. Stir gently to coat. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until tender. Adjust seasoning 30 minutes before serving, and garnish with scallions for a fresh finish.
Tips for the Best Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Every Time
For richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for an hour before slow cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a meal prep win, double the batch and freeze leftovers for a future quick meal.
Storing Your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Leftovers
Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into freezer bags and lay flat. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and remain juicy after slow cooking.
Do I need to drain the pineapple juice?
No, the juice adds essential sweetness and moisture to the sauce.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Not for this recipe—slow cooking keeps the chicken tender without searing.
What can I serve with this dish besides rice?
Try it with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter twist.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces canned pineapple chunks including juice
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- Scallions thinly sliced for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper directly in the base of your slow cooker, stirring until well integrated.
- Introduce the cubed chicken, chopped red bell pepper, and entire contents of the pineapple can, including its juice, to the slow cooker.
- Carefully mix all components until the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly coated with the seasoned mixture.
- Secure the lid and set the slow cooker on low; allow the ingredients to simmer gently for 4 to 6 hours, or alternatively, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Roughly 30 minutes before completion, evaluate the seasoning of the sauce and adjust as needed—additional soy sauce or brown sugar may be incorporated according to preference.
- Optionally, sprinkle with scallions just before serving and present over a bed of steamed rice if desired.
