Description
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful, set-it-and-forget-it meal combining juicy chicken with sweet pineapple and a savory sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or gatherings. Serve over rice, noodles, or with veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice (or fresh pineapple + ½ cup extra liquid)
- ½ cup soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- ½ cup onions, sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Chop fresh pineapple if using, mince garlic and ginger, and slice any optional vegetables.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place chicken at the bottom. Add pineapple chunks and juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and optional veggies. Stir gently.
- Cook:
- Low heat: 6–7 hours
- High heat: 3–4 hours
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro. Pair with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- Spicy Variation: Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños.
- Low-Carb Option: Use a sugar substitute, thicken with xanthan gum, and serve with cauliflower rice.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap chicken for pork, shrimp, or tofu.
- Instant Pot Method: Sauté garlic and ginger first, pressure cook for 10–12 minutes, then quick release.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Fat: ~8g
- Saturated Fat: ~2g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~35g
- Cholesterol: ~90mg