Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken: A Tender, Tangy Tropical Favorite

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Imagine tender shreds of chicken bathed in a golden glaze of sweet pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s equal parts tropical comfort food and family-friendly favorite. Best of all? It’s incredibly simple to make — the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.

Whether you serve it in fluffy rice bowls, stuffed into slider buns, or as a protein-packed topping for a crisp salad, this dish is endlessly versatile and guaranteed to please a crowd.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal prep, maximum flavor: Just 10 minutes of prep for a rich, sticky-sweet sauce that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did!).

  • Versatile: Perfect in bowls, buns, or wraps.

  • Make-ahead friendly: Cook it in advance and reheat for meal prep or potlucks.

  • Kid-approved: Sweet flavors and tender chicken make it a hit with even picky eaters.

 Ingredients (Serves 6)

Measured in US cups and spoons, this recipe yields enough for 6 generous servings:

Chicken and Sauce Base:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (≈4 large breasts)

  • 1 cup pineapple juice

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)

  • 2 tsp minced garlic (≈2 cloves)

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

To Thicken:

  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 Tbsp water

Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

  • 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

 Time Breakdown

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cooking time (LOW): 4–5 hours

  • Cooking time (HIGH): 2–3 hours

  • Final thickening: 15–20 minutes

  • Total time: ~4 hours 10 minutes on LOW • ~2 hours 10 minutes on HIGH

 Calories & Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Approximate values per 1 cup of shredded chicken with sauce:

  • Calories: 350 kcal

  • Protein: 30 g

  • Carbohydrates: 25 g

  • Fat: 10 g

  • Sugar: 18 g

  • Sodium: 750 mg (using low-sodium soy sauce)

 Instructions

1. Layer the Chicken

Place chicken breasts flat in the bottom of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.

Tip: Trim any excess fat for a leaner result.

2. Mix the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

  • Pineapple juice

  • Soy sauce

  • Brown sugar

  • Ketchup

  • Garlic

  • Ginger

  • Black pepper

Whisk thoroughly until sugar is dissolved.

3. Add Pineapple & Pour Over Chicken

Stir in the drained crushed pineapple.
Pour the entire sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

4. Cook Low and Slow

  • Cover the slow cooker.

  • Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Note: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain even heat.

5. Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken breasts and shred them using two forks on a cutting board or plate. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat evenly in the sauce.

6. Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl:

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.

  • Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and mix gently.

Switch to HIGH and cook uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened into a glaze-like consistency.

7. Garnish & Serve

Once the sauce is thickened:

  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  • Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro before serving.

Serving Ideas

This dish is wonderfully adaptable. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken:

 Rice Bowl

Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice, with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a crunchy cabbage slaw.

 Sliders

Pile the sweet shredded chicken into Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns, and top with a bit of pineapple coleslaw for a tropical sandwich.

 Salad Bowl

Spoon warm chicken over a bed of greens like baby spinach or romaine. Add cucumbers, shredded carrots, and sesame seeds for a complete meal.

 Tacos or Wraps

Use the chicken as a filling for soft tortillas with avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and pickled red onions.

 Expert Tips & Variations

 For Extra Caramelization

After shredding the chicken:

  • Spread it on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes, just until the edges begin to crisp.

  • Spoon the thickened sauce over before serving.

 Flavor Boosters

  • Add 1–2 Tbsp hoisin sauce to deepen the umami notes.

  • A splash of rice vinegar adds acidity to balance the sweetness.

  • Stir in red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

 Make-Ahead Option

  • Follow steps 1–4 and refrigerate (up to 24 hours).

  • When ready to serve, reheat, shred, thicken the sauce, and garnish fresh.

 Want it saucier?

Double the sauce ingredients and thicken accordingly. Great if serving with rice that will soak up the extra glaze.

 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Freezer:

  • Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers.

  • Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and serve.

Simple Substitutions

  • No pineapple juice? Use orange juice for a slightly different but still tropical taste.

  • No brown sugar? Honey or maple syrup works as a sweetener.

  • No chicken breasts? Boneless chicken thighs also work beautifully and stay moist.

 Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken lies in the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, all developed effortlessly in a slow cooker. It’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of dish that anyone can master — perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or weekend meal prep.

The crushed pineapple adds texture, the brown sugar and ketchup create caramelized notes, and the soy sauce plus ginger bring that umami twist that keeps you coming back for more.

 Printable Recipe Card (Optional)

Let me know if you’d like a printable version of this recipe card, a Pinterest-optimized graphic, or a one-page summary PDF for quick access in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or feeding a crowd, Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a winner. It’s warm, comforting, slightly exotic, and irresistibly sticky-sweet. A true tropical delight in a slow cooker — no fancy ingredients, no hassle, just pure deliciousness.

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