Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken (So Juicy!)

Sweet Hawaiian crock pot chicken served over white rice with pineapple, bell peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds

This Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is one of those recipes that makes dinner feel effortless and special at the same time. I love how the slow cooker does all the work while the chicken turns out unbelievably tender and full of sweet, tropical flavor.

With juicy pineapple, a lightly sweet sauce, and savory notes that balance everything out, this Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want a no-stress dinner everyone will love. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a meal that smells amazing and tastes even better.

Spoonful of sweet Hawaiian crock pot chicken with rice, pineapple, bell peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds

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INGREDIENTS

  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (900 g)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (240 g), fresh or canned (drained)
  • ¾ cup pineapple juice (180 ml)
  • ½ cup soy sauce (120 ml), low sodium preferred
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (65 g), packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (15 g)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
  • 2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (1 g)

Optional ingredients:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced (150 g)
  • ½ cup sliced green onions (50 g), for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot, arranging them in an even layer.
  2. Whisk the sauce in a bowl by combining the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
  4. Add the pineapple chunks and any optional bell peppers on top of the chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken cooks through and turns tender and easy to shred.
  6. Shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks, then stir it into the sauce.
  7. Thicken the sauce by mixing the cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Pour it into the crock pot, stir well, then cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

  • Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Boneless, skinless thighs stay incredibly tender and work beautifully in this Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken.
  • Go low sodium. Always choose low-sodium soy sauce so the sauce stays balanced and not overly salty.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry. It thickens the sauce at the end without making it gummy.
  • Add heat if you love spice. Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
  • Make it veggie-packed. Add sliced carrots, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.
  • Prep ahead. Assemble everything in the crock pot insert the night before and store it in the fridge, then cook the next day.
Sweet Hawaiian crock pot chicken over white rice with pineapple, bell peppers, green onions, sesame seeds, and a spoon

SERVING IDEAS

  • Serve over fluffy white rice or jasmine rice to soak up all that sweet Hawaiian sauce.
  • Pair with brown rice or quinoa for a more wholesome, balanced meal.
  • Spoon it into lettuce wraps for a lighter, fresh option with a little crunch.
  • Serve with steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or snap peas on the side.
  • Make it party-friendly by serving the chicken in a slow cooker with mini buns for Hawaiian-style sliders.
  • Great for meal prep. Portion it with rice into containers for easy lunches all week.
Sweet Hawaiian crock pot chicken served over white rice with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds

FAQs

Can I store leftover Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely. Let the Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken cool completely, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use frozen chicken?

For food safety, always thaw chicken before adding it to the crock pot. Using frozen chicken can cause uneven cooking.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

You can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option while keeping that savory-sweet flavor.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Cook on LOW whenever possible and avoid overcooking. Shredding the chicken and stirring it back into the sauce also keeps it juicy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully cook the Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken, refrigerate it, and gently reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

Close-up spoonful of sweet Hawaiian crock pot chicken with rice, pineapple chunks, green onions, and sesame seeds

This Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with sweet pineapple flavor. An easy slow cooker dinner that’s perfect for busy days and meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (900 g)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (240 g), drained if canned
  • ¾ cup pineapple juice (180 ml)
  • ½ cup soy sauce, low sodium (120 ml)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed (65 g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (15 g)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
  • 2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (1 g)

Optional:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced (150 g)
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot in an even layer.
  2. Whisk the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating it evenly.
  4. Add the pineapple chunks and optional bell peppers on top.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
  6. Shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks and stir it into the sauce.
  7. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the crock pot.
  8. Cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  9. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
  • Always thaw chicken before slow cooking for best texture and safety.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing the brown sugar slightly.
  • Nutrition Information:

    Yield: 6 Serving Size: About 1 cup
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 360Total Fat: 6gCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32g

    Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

    I hope you love this Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken as much as I do. It’s one of those easy, comforting recipes that makes dinner feel special without any extra effort. The sweet pineapple flavor, tender chicken, and cozy slow-cooked goodness make it a total family favorite.

    If you try this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime. I’d also love to hear how it turned out for you — leave a comment, share your tweaks, or tell me what you served it with.

    Happy cooking, and enjoy every sweet, saucy bite 🍍💛

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