Sweet, tangy, and totally effortless! This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken brings island vibes straight to your dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a saucy, tropical-inspired dish your whole family will love.
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Need a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t require babysitting the stove? Enter: Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken. It’s a sweet-and-savory combo of pineapple, BBQ sauce, and tender chicken that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Serve it over rice and top with green onions for a no-fuss dinner that tastes like a tropical vacation in a bowl! It’s also a super easy dinner that is perfect for the spring and summer!
If you enjoy simple, but total comfort food, be sure to try Crockpot Lazy Lasagna.
Ingredients Needed:
Crushed Pineapple – This adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature tropical flavor. Be sure to include the juices, they help create the perfect sauce consistency and the acid helps to tenderize the chicken.
BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite brand! A sweeter sauce balances the tang of pineapple beautifully, but you can experiment with smoky or spicy versions for a twist.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and adds a deeper, caramel-like note. You can reduce or omit it if your BBQ sauce is already sweet.
Soy Sauce – Brings salty, umami flavor that cuts through the sweeter ingredients. Low-sodium versions work just as well if you’re watching salt intake.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – While you could go with chicken thighs, the taste will vary slightly and the breasts are a leaner cut.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce right at the end, giving it a rich, glossy texture. Mix with water before adding to prevent clumping.
Green Onion – Adds a pop of color and a mild oniony bite. Sprinkle on just before serving for a fresh garnish!
How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Mix the Sauce – In a medium bowl, stir together the crushed pineapple, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
Add to the Crockpot – Pour the sauce mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add Chicken – Place cubed chicken breast pieces on top of the sauce.
Cook It Low and Slow – Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Thicken the Sauce – Mix a teaspoon of water with the cornstarch and stir it into the crockpot during the last 15 minutes of cooking to help the sauce thicken.
Garnish and Serve – Serve warm over rice and top with sliced green onions for extra flavor and freshness.
Helpful Tips
Cube Chicken Evenly – Try to cut your chicken into evenly sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
Use a Sweet BBQ Sauce – A sweeter sauce blends best with the pineapple. If using a smoky or spicy one, adjust the sugar to taste.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – Adding the cornstarch slurry at the end gives the sauce that perfect, glossy, slightly sticky texture.
Check for Doneness Early – Crockpots can vary, and chicken cooks quickly—start checking at the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
Double the Sauce for More Flavor – If you love extra sauce to drizzle over rice, feel free to 1.5x the sauce ingredients!
Other Variations:
Protein Swap: Try this recipe with shrimp or cubed pork for a different twist.
Add Veggies: Toss in red bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful, balanced meal.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Low-Sugar Swap: Cut back on brown sugar or use a sugar-free BBQ sauce if desired.
This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken proves that easy meals don’t have to be boring. With its tropical flair and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice or scooping it into lettuce wraps, every bite brings a little more flavor to your table!
More Recipes You May Like:
Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ lbs boneless Skinless chicken breasts, cubed (1 inch)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 green onion to garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple, bbq sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Pour into the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the chicken on top of the mixture.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- Mix about a teaspoon of water and cornstarch in a bowl and pour into the crockpot right before it’s done to help thicken up the sauce.
- Serve over rice with sliced green onions.