Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that bursts with sweet and savory flavors, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe is the perfect solution! With tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a mouthwatering sauce, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal. Plus, your trusty slow cooker does all the work, making it a set-it-and-forget-it dinner! Let’s dive into the recipe and see why you’ll love this dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

This Hawaiian crockpot chicken is one of those dishes that truly hits all the right notes. Here’s why you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat:

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients in the crockpot, and let it do its thing! No babysitting required.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of pineapple’s sweetness, savory soy sauce, and the warmth of ginger and garlic creates an irresistibly flavorful sauce.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will adore the sweet and tangy taste of this dish.
• Versatile and Customizable: Whether you use chicken breasts or thighs, adjust the spices, or throw in extra veggies, this recipe adapts to your preferences.

The Flavor Explosion You’ve Been Waiting For!

Imagine the tender chicken, soaked in a rich sauce made from juicy pineapple, sweet brown sugar, tangy soy sauce, and a kick of garlic and ginger. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory goodness! Paired with rice, this dish is a Hawaiian-inspired meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the tropics.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Time-Saving: Great for busy weekdays when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, colorful bell peppers, and the natural sweetness of pineapple.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare and freeze portions for later, making meal prep a breeze.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash!

Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this tropical delight:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs add extra moisture, but breasts work just as well for a leaner option.
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, with juice): The juice adds sweetness to the sauce, making it incredibly flavorful.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce: Balances out the sweetness and brings that savory punch.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: This ingredient caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic for a savory depth.
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional): Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the pineapple.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A mild kick that rounds out the flavors.
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced: For color and crunch.
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Balances the sweetness with a slight peppery flavor.
• Cooked rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Sliced green onions for garnish: A fresh, crunchy finishing touch.

this Recipe

Tools You’ll Need

• A crockpot/slow cooker (6-8 quart size works best)
• A sharp knife for slicing vegetables
• A cutting board
• A mixing bowl to prepare the sauce
• Tongs or a fork to shred the chicken once it’s cooked

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Now let’s get into the fun part—putting everything together. You’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying this amazing dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) directly into your crockpot. No need to brown them ahead of time; the slow cooker will handle it!
2. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple chunks (along with their juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and black pepper until well combined.
3. Pour It Over: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Add the Bell Peppers: Scatter the sliced red and green bell peppers over the top of the chicken and sauce.
5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork when it’s done.
6. Shred and Stir: Once cooked, use tongs or a fork to shred the chicken in the sauce. Stir everything to make sure the shredded chicken soaks up all that flavorful goodness.
7. Serve: Spoon the sweet Hawaiian chicken over a bed of hot cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.

Now you’ve got a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!

What to Serve with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out the meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A perfect neutral base to let the chicken and sauce shine.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
• Coconut Rice: Add even more tropical flair with a side of creamy coconut rice.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Cut the Chicken Evenly: If you’re using large chicken breasts, slice them in half to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Pineapple Juice: The juice adds moisture and sweetness to the sauce, so don’t drain it!
• Add Extra Veggies: Throw in carrots, onions, or even chunks of zucchini if you want to bulk up the dish with more veggies.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerating:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.

Freezing:

You can freeze this crockpot chicken for up to 3 months. Be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are leaner.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! If you prefer some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

If you’re short on time and don’t have a crockpot, you can cook this on the stovetop. Simmer the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Conclusion

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delightful, easy-to-make meal that your whole family will love. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a savory sauce creates an unforgettable flavor explosion that you’ll come back to time and again. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to impress!

If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy our other family-friendly favorites like Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli or the deliciously cheesy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta.

Be sure to leave a review and share your creations on Pinterest with the hashtag #HawaiianCrockpotChicken!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 8g

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