Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken – Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
Introduction
Looking for a tropical-inspired chicken recipe that’s sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make? This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the answer. With just a handful of simple ingredients, your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky pineapple-brown sugar glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, this dish is kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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3-Ingredient Sauce – Just pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce create a flavor-packed glaze.
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Hands-Off Cooking – The Crockpot takes care of everything with minimal effort.
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Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.
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Kid-Friendly & Freezer-Friendly – Sweet, tangy flavors that everyone will love.
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Versatile Pairings – Pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
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2 lb (0.9 kg) chicken tenderloin chunks (or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
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1 cup pineapple juice
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½ cup brown sugar
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⅓ cup soy sauce
Optional Add-ins
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Pineapple chunks – for extra tropical sweetness
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Red bell peppers – for color and crunch
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1 tsp garlic powder – for added flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
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Cut chicken tenderloins (or breasts) into bite-sized chunks.
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If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before cooking for best results.
2. Mix the Hawaiian Sauce
In a medium bowl or directly in the slow cooker, combine:
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1 cup pineapple juice
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½ cup brown sugar
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⅓ cup soy sauce
Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is well blended.
3. Combine in the Crockpot
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Place chicken chunks into the slow cooker.
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Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
4. Cook Low and Slow
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Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
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Chicken should be tender and coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce.
Pro Tip: Want a thicker sauce? During the last 30 minutes, remove the lid to reduce, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
5. Serve and Enjoy
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Serve hot over steamed rice, coconut rice, or stir-fried noodles.
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Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or pineapple chunks for a restaurant-style presentation.
What to Serve with Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Pair this dish with tropical and fresh sides to complete your meal:
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Jasmine or Basmati rice
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Steamed broccoli or snap peas
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Fluffy Hawaiian rolls
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Grilled pineapple slices
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Coconut rice for extra island flavor
Storage & Leftovers
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
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Freeze: Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Helpful Tips & Variations
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Add Heat: Mix in sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
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Thicker Sauce: Use cornstarch slurry to create a stickier glaze.
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Swap the Chicken: Chicken thighs work great for even juicier results.
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Veggie Boost: Add red bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
Flavor & Texture Profile
This Hawaiian chicken recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors:
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Sweetness from pineapple juice and brown sugar.
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Umami depth from soy sauce.
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Tender, juicy chicken that falls apart easily.
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Optional add-ins like bell peppers and pineapple chunks add freshness and texture.
Conclusion
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a must-try slow cooker recipe that brings tropical flavors straight to your table with almost no effort. Sweet, savory, and sticky, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. Serve it with rice, rolls, or grilled pineapple, and enjoy a taste of island-inspired comfort food anytime.