Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

There’s something magical about Hawaiian flavors—they’re bright, bold, and taste like sunshine on a plate. And when you combine that tropical goodness with the no-fuss magic of a slow cooker? You’ve got yourself a meal that basically cooks itself while you go live your life.

I still remember my first bite of pineapple chicken—at a beachside grill on Oahu. Sweet, savory, ridiculously tender. Ever since, I’ve been chasing that flavor, and this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken nails it. It’s sticky, flavorful, and crazy simple.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Savory Crockpot Chicken

• Tropical flavor profile – This is like a luau in a slow cooker. Pineapple, soy, brown sugar—it’s that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
  
• Weeknight savior – Toss everything in, hit a button, and walk away. Come back to dinner that tastes like you worked all day.
  
• Flexible and family-friendly – Serve it over rice, stuff it in tacos, or go low-carb with lettuce wraps.

What Does the Recipe Taste Like?

This is the sweet and savory crockpot chicken you dream about. The soy sauce brings umami, pineapple juice adds brightness, and brown sugar sticks to every bite. The chicken? Fall-apart tender and soaked in all that tropical sauce.

Expect juicy, shredded Hawaiian chicken coated in sticky pineapple glaze. It’s not just dinner—it’s an edible vacation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you like it juicier)
  
• 1 can pineapple chunks (in juice), drained (reserve ½ cup juice)
  
• ½ cup soy sauce
  
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
  
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Additions:

• Sliced green onions (for freshness)
  
• Red pepper flakes (a little kick never hurt)
  
• Bell peppers (color and crunch)

Special Garnishes:

• Chopped cilantro or parsley
  
• Toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crockpot Chicken with Brown Sugar

1. Prepare and Place Chicken in Crockpot

First things first—pat that chicken dry. Moisture is the enemy of flavor, and we want that sauce to stick, not slide.

Lay the chicken flat in the slow cooker. Don’t overcrowd the pot—just a single layer. It cooks more evenly that way. Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more forgiving texture; breasts if you’re going lean.

Thighs won’t dry out if you forget them for an hour. They’re your crockpot best friend.

2. Mix and Pour Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
  
• ½ cup soy sauce
  
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
  
• Minced garlic
  
• Grated ginger
  
• Black pepper

Pour this over the chicken. Toss in those pineapple chunks like it’s a flavor confetti party.

Pro move: Mix the sauce until the sugar dissolves completely—it needs to be smooth to coat everything evenly.

3. Slow Cook

Set it:

• Low for 6–8 hours – for ultimate tenderness
  
• High for 3–4 hours – if you’re pressed for time

Key Tip: Low and slow lets the collagen in the chicken break down naturally, giving you that juicy pull-apart texture. High will work, but you lose a bit of that melt-in-your-mouth magic.

4. Shred Chicken and Mix

Once it’s done, take the chicken out carefully (it’ll be soft), and shred it with two forks. Then return it to the crockpot and stir everything so the sauce soaks into every strand.

Frank’s advice: This is where most people mess up. Don’t shred it in the pot—it turns the chunks to mush. Pull, shred, return.

5. Garnish and Serve

Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or stuff it in tacos.

Visual tip: Want that plated-wow look? Go with white jasmine rice, sprinkle garnishes in an “S” shape, and serve with a lime wedge.

Recipe Variations for Your Sweet Pineapple Chicken

Substitutions:

• Swap chicken for pork tenderloin or shrimp (but cut cooking time for shrimp—only 2 hours on low).
  
• Use teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, more glazed vibe.
  
• Try tamari for a gluten-free option.
  

Add-ins:

• Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas added in the last hour = a full meal in one pot.
  
• Crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha if you like it hot.

Serving ideas:

• Serve in Hawaiian rolls as sliders
  
• Pile into taco shells with slaw
  
• Spoon over noodles or roasted sweet potatoes

Serving and Storage Tips for Your Easy Hawaiian Chicken

• Serve with: white rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, or rice noodles.
  
• Fridge: keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
  
• Freezer: freezes beautifully—up to 3 months.
  
• Reheat:
  
  • Stovetop: medium heat with a splash of pineapple juice.
    
  • Microwave: cover with a damp paper towel.
    
  • Crockpot: set to warm and stir occasionally.

Helpful Tips

• Marinate ahead: Combine the sauce and chicken the night before, let it sit overnight in the fridge, then cook in the morning.
  
• Thighs > Breasts: They’re just more forgiving in the crockpot.
  
• Balance the sweetness: Pineapple juice varies. Taste before you serve—add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if it’s too sweet.
  
• Use fresh ginger: That zip of spice cuts through the sweetness and adds depth.

Related Recipes for Fans of Sweet and Savory Crockpot Chicken

Keep the tropical vibes going or mix up your menu with these reader favorites from the blog:

• Try it with a fruity dessert like this delicious summer classic – light, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry flavor.
  
• Pair your tropical chicken with a creamy side that balances sweetness – comfort food that works with any main.
  
• Make your Hawaiian night complete with a themed breakfast idea – it’s sweet, indulgent, and island-inspired.
  
• Looking for more easy slow-cooked chicken options? This creamy classic is perfect for busy weeknights.
  
• Complement the dish with a light and sweet side like this pineapple-inspired dessert – Grandma knew what she was doing.
  
• Want more sweet and savory combos? This one brings bold flavor contrast to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Conclusion

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the kind of meal that brings joy to the table. It’s bright, flavorful, and effortlessly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers every single time.

Give it a shot. Post your plate. Tag your twist. And if you loved it—drop a comment. I’d love to see what you cook up.
Want more recipes like this? Follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, flavor-packed meals!

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Print Recipe

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavor-packed, no-fuss meal that brings island vibes right to your dinner table. Tender shredded chicken coated in a sticky-sweet pineapple soy glaze—it’s tropical comfort food made easy.

• Author: Emilio
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Crockpot
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 can pineapple chunks (in juice), drained (reserve ½ cup juice)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: sliced green onions, red pepper flakes, bell peppers
• Garnishes: chopped cilantro or parsley, toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and place in crockpot in a single layer.
2. In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup pineapple juice, ½ cup soy sauce, ⅓ cup brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper.
3. Pour sauce over chicken and add pineapple chunks.
4. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
5. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to crockpot. Stir to coat with sauce.
6. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro before serving.
7. Serve over rice, quinoa, in tacos, or lettuce wraps.

Notes

Use thighs for juicier results. For less sweetness, balance with a splash of vinegar or lemon. Great for meal prep—flavor deepens overnight. Freezes well up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: hawaiian chicken, crockpot chicken, pineapple chicken, slow cooker chicken