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Shredded Hawaiian crockpot chicken in a bowl, garnished with pineapple chunks and green onions.

How to Make Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken – Simple, Flavorful, and Family-Friendly

This Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tropical twist on a weeknight dinner classic! Juicy chicken is slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, infused with soy, garlic, and brown sugar for a flavorful, hands-off meal. It’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet, and it pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish brings island vibes straight to your dinner table!

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 crockpot dish

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

  • 1 cup pineapple juice

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

  • 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

  • 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)

  • Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger (if using).

  • Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.

  • Add the pineapple chunks on top.

  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  • (Optional) To thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water. Pour into the crockpot during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking and stir well.

  • Once done, shred the chicken with two forks if desired, and mix with the sauce.

 

  • Serve hot over rice, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if using.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.

  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.

  • This dish freezes well – perfect for meal prep!

  • Try serving it with coconut rice for an extra island vibe.

  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian / American Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Hawaiian crockpot chicken, slow cooker pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy slow cooker dinner, tropical chicken recipe