Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I watched the rain pour down outside, a thought struck me: why not whisk my family away to a warmer place with some Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken? This delightful dish captures the essence of tropical flavors, transforming a dreary day into a mini vacation right in your kitchen. With tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious pineapple brown sugar sauce and colorful bell peppers, this hearty meal serves up both sweet and savory goodness that everyone will love. It’s not only perfect for busy weeknights—requiring minimal prep—but also meal prep-friendly, making it a staple for those looking to enjoy homemade comfort food without the fuss. Are you ready to dive into a taste of paradise? Let’s get cooking! Why is Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken a Must-Try? Simplicity: Effortlessly prepare this dish with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy cooks. Tropical Flavors: The sweet pineapple and savory chicken create a delightful flavor harmony that transports you to paradise. Versatility: Customize with colorful bell peppers or swap chicken thighs for leaner breasts, making it adaptable for everyone’s taste. Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, this meal will impress with its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma. Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, just set it and forget it to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week! Check out the Butter Chicken Comfort for another easy, satisfying option. Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – Tender and flavorful, they absorb the sweet sauce perfectly; substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. For the Sauce • Pineapple – Adds natural sweetness and acidity; feel free to use fresh or canned pineapple based on availability. • Brown Sugar – Amplifies the sweetness of the sauce; you can also swap it for coconut sugar for a lower glycemic choice. • Soy Sauce – Infuses a savory depth; for gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos as an alternative. • Garlic – Adds aromatic sweetness; fresh is ideal, but powdered garlic works in a pinch. • Onion – Contributes savory notes; again, fresh is preferred, but you can opt for onion powder if needed. For the Vegetables • Bell Peppers – Offers a colorful crunch and nutritional boost; mix red, yellow, and green peppers for the best visual appeal and taste. For Serving • Rice – Acts as a comforting base; you can substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Start by chopping your bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, using a colorful mix of red, yellow, and green to enhance the dish’s presentation. Set them aside while you move on to the next step; this will ensure everything is ready for your flavorful Hawaiian crockpot chicken. Step 2: Mix Sauce In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple (with its juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until fully blended, creating a sweet and savory sauce that will envelop your chicken. This delightful mixture is the heart of the Hawaiian crockpot chicken’s flavor, so make sure it’s well combined. Step 3: Layer Chicken Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread evenly. This will allow them to soak up all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. For best results, use fresh or thawed chicken, as frozen chicken can affect cooking times and texture. Step 4: Add Peppers and Sauce Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, then gently place the chopped bell peppers on top. This layering will allow the peppers to retain some crunch while absorbing the luscious sauce during cooking. Make sure everything is well distributed for even cooking in your Hawaiian crockpot chicken. Step 5: Cook Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and fully cooked, easily shredding with a fork. The aroma of the cooking Hawaiian crockpot chicken will fill your kitchen with enticing tropical scents! Step 6: Serve Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot, shredding them if desired for better absorption of the sauce. Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or your choice of quinoa, drizzling with the remaining sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy the sweet and savory bliss of your Hawaiian crockpot chicken! How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld, creating an even tastier dish upon reheating. Freezer: Freeze Hawaiian crockpot chicken for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed before sealing. Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, making sure it reaches a safe temperature. Sauce Tips: If freezing, consider saving extra sauce separately, as it may thicken when frozen. This ensures a luscious glaze when you reheat your meal. Variations & Substitutions for Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Feel free to get creative with this dish and make it your own with these delightful twists! Dairy-Free: For lactose-sensitive eaters, skip any dairy-based accompaniments like butter. Lean Protein: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner dish—just adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out. Additional Veggies: Toss in snap peas or carrots for extra crunch and nutrition—each addition brings vibrant colors and new textures! Fruit Twist: Experiment with mango or oranges for a tropical flair. Their unique sweetness can enhance the dish’s bright flavors beautifully. Heat Level: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that contrasts the sweetness of the sauce. Coconut Flavor: Substitute part of the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a richer taste that complements the tropical theme. Rice Alternatives: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option that still delivers a fabulous meal. The textures will amaze you! Sweet & Spicy: Mix in a dash of sriracha or chili sauce to the sauce mixture for a sweet-and-spicy flavor explosion. For more flavorful ideas, check out my Chicken Broccoli Savory and Parmesan Chicken Transforms recipes that show how versatile chicken can be! Make Ahead Options These Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop your bell peppers and mix the sauce (pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic) up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To further streamline the cooking process, layer the chicken thighs with the sauce in your crockpot the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This way, when you’re ready to cook, all you have to do is pop it into your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just like that, you’ll have a delicious, stress-free dinner waiting for you! Expert Tips for Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken • Chicken Choice: Use chicken thighs for flavor, but adjust cooking time if you opt for breast. Thighs offer unbeatable tenderness! • Sauce Thickness: If you desire a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to reduce excess liquid. • Pepper Varieties: Don’t hesitate to try different bell pepper colors. Each adds unique flavor and visual appeal to your Hawaiian crockpot chicken! • Cooking Time: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before serving. Slow cooking really enhances flavors, so don’t rush it! • Storage Savvy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors deepen, making the dish even more delightful when reheated! What to Serve with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Transform your meal into a tropical feast with delightful side dishes that balance the sweet and savory essence of this comforting chicken dish. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it serves as a perfect base to soak up the rich, sticky sauce while adding texture to every bite. Zesty Cole Slaw: This crunchy side, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, provides a refreshing contrast and cuts through the sweetness, making each bite more vibrant. Mango Salsa: The fresh sweetness from mango, lime, and cilantro brightens the plate, complementing the Hawaiian flavors with a burst of tropical delight. Roasted Vegetables: Try a mix of green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes for a colorful addition. The caramelization brings out their natural sweetness, balancing the dish beautifully. Garlic Bread: Crusty and golden, it’s a comforting accompaniment that gives every bite a satisfying crunch, perfect for sopping up leftover sauce. Pineapple Ginger Smoothie: Toast to a taste of paradise with this refreshing drink; it showcases bright flavors that harmonize with the dish and offer a cool finish. Coconut Rice Pudding: End the meal on a sweet note! This creamy dessert, laced with coconut and hints of vanilla, echoes the tropical theme and provides a warm closure to the experience. Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe pineapple for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting a pineapple, look for one that is slightly soft to the touch and has a sweet aroma at the base. The color should be vibrant, and you can gently pull a leaf from the crown; if it comes out easily, it’s ripe and ready for your Hawaiian crockpot chicken. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftover Hawaiian crockpot chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and allows every reheated bowl to taste even better! Can I freeze Hawaiian crockpot chicken? Yes! You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. To do so, place the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm throughout. What if my sauce is too thin? If you find the sauce has turned out thinner than desired, fear not! Simply remove the lid of the crockpot during the last hour of cooking time. This will allow excess liquid to evaporate, thickening the sauce beautifully. Stir occasionally to help the sauce reduce evenly, ensuring that every bite of your Hawaiian crockpot chicken is dripping with flavor! Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce? Very much so! If you are looking for a gluten-free option, I recommend substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. These alternatives mimic the savory depth of soy sauce perfectly while keeping your Hawaiian crockpot chicken gluten-free friendly! Can cats or dogs eat this chicken? It’s best to keep this dish away from pets. While plain cooked chicken is safe, the soy sauce and seasonings can be harmful to them. If your furry friend deserves a treat, simply set aside some plain, cooked chicken before mixing it with sauce for your Hawaiian crockpot chicken. Tantalizing Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken for Effortless Meals Enjoy the delightful flavors of Hawaiian crockpot chicken, featuring tender chicken thighs in a pineapple brown sugar sauce, perfect for effortless meals. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: HawaiianCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pounds chicken thighs Substitute with chicken breasts if preferredFor the Sauce1 cup pineapple Can use fresh or canned1/2 cup brown sugar Coconut sugar can be used as an alternative1/4 cup soy sauce Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free2 cloves garlic Minced, fresh is ideal1 medium onion Fresh preferred, onion powder is an optionFor the Vegetables2 cups bell peppers Mix of red, yellow, and green preferredFor Serving4 cups rice Can substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice Equipment Crockpot Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsStart by chopping your bell peppers into bite-sized pieces using a colorful mix of red, yellow, and green. Set them aside.In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple (with its juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk until fully blended.Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread evenly.Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, then gently place the chopped bell peppers on top.Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot, shredding them as desired. Serve over rice or quinoa with the remaining sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, use fresh or thawed chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
