Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

why make this recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is a hands-off, family-friendly meal that balances savory soy and garlic with bright, sweet pineapple. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want a comforting dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

introduction

This easy slow-cooker recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a sticky, tropical sauce made from pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, and a touch of ketchup and ginger. The slow cooker melds the flavors while keeping the chicken juicy — serve it over rice for a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner.

how to make Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

Ingredients :

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions :

1. In a slow cooker, combine the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and ground ginger.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred the chicken in the sauce before serving.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve over rice.
   
   

how to serve Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

Serve this dish over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce. For more texture and color, add roasted or stir-fried vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli). Top with extra pineapple chunks and chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds. It also works well in burrito bowls, on slider rolls, or over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

how to store Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

Refrigerator: Cool completely, store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

tips to make Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for extra richness and juiciness; adjust cook time slightly if using bone-in pieces.
• If sauce is too thin after shredding, remove the chicken and reduce the sauce on high for 10–15 minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and cook until thickened.
• Taste and adjust seasonings near the end — add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness if it tastes too sweet.
• For a deeper flavor, brown the chicken quickly in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker (optional).

variation (if any)

• Spicy Hawaiian: Add 1–2 tablespoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce for heat.
• Teriyaki-style: Substitute ketchup with teriyaki sauce and add a tablespoon of mirin or honey.
• Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for hearty tofu or tempeh and reduce cook time; or make a pineapple-soy glaze for roasted vegetables.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes — but increase the high setting cook time slightly and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For best texture, thaw before cooking.

Q: Should I use fresh or canned pineapple?
A: Either works. Canned pineapple contributes more syrupy liquid and sweetness; fresh adds brighter, firmer bites.

Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Yes. Simmer the sauce in a skillet, add chicken and poach gently until cooked through, then shred and reduce the sauce as needed.

Conclusion

For the original recipe and more tips, see Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken – Cooking With Janica.