Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate easy, flavorful, and tender dish that’s packed with tropical sweetness and savory goodness. With just a few ingredients, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic and transform chicken breasts into a melt-in-your-mouth meal. It’s the perfect combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and a hint of spice, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is super simple to prepare with minimal effort but maximum flavor. The chicken becomes tender and juicy as it cooks with the pineapple and sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for pairing with rice or vegetables. Plus, the sweetness of the pineapple combined with the savory soy sauce and ginger creates a delicious tropical twist that everyone will love!

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
In a bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it into the sauce.
Serve the shredded chicken over rice or with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Variations

Add vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers, onions, or carrots for added flavor and texture.
Make it spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
Use chicken thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even juicier meat.
Add a sweet twist: Stir in a little extra pineapple juice or honey for a sweeter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just make sure to cook on the low setting for 8 hours, and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes! To make it in the Instant Pot, cook the chicken on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then shred it once the pressure is released.

Can I add extra pineapple?

Yes, feel free to add more pineapple chunks or even pineapple rings to enhance the tropical flavor.

Can I use a different sweetener?

You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup if preferred.

Can I serve this without rice?

Absolutely! You can serve the chicken with steamed vegetables, on top of a salad, or in wraps.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water or reduce the sauce by cooking it on high for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger creates a deliciously sweet and savory sauce that transforms simple chicken breasts into a tropical-inspired feast. Whether served with rice or your favorite side, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with little effort!

Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

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Print Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a mouthwatering slow cooker recipe made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a tropical blend of pineapple, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This easy set-it-and-forget-it dish is packed with sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Total Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup pineapple chunks

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the chicken using two forks and stir to coat in the sauce.
Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

Want a thicker sauce? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes.
This recipe works well with chicken thighs too—just adjust cooking time slightly if using bone-in.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Category: Main Dish, Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired, American
Diet: Gluten Free