Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is an effortless slow cooker recipe that features tender boneless chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a delicious blend of sweet pineapple chunks, savory barbecue sauce, and balanced seasonings. This tropical-inspired dish offers a perfect sweet and tangy flavor profile that is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping, and can be served over rice, noodles, or as a fun slider filling. Easy to customize and packed with vibrant flavors, it’s a comforting and exciting dish the whole family will love.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 2 to 3 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky or sweet, your choice)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fruit
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks with juice (fresh or canned)
- Prepare the Chicken: Place your boneless chicken breasts or thighs into the base of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until all ingredients are fully blended and fragrant.
- Add Pineapple: Pour the pineapple chunks along with the juice over the chicken to add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to soak up the remaining sauce before serving.
Notes
- Choose the right cut: Thighs stay juicier than breasts, but either works well.
- Use fresh pineapple juice for better flavor without excess sweetness.
- Check chicken for doneness at the earlier time to avoid drying.
- Add soy sauce to balance sweetness and layer flavors.
- If desired, remove chicken and reduce sauce on high heat for a glaze consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipe, tropical chicken, pineapple chicken, barbecue chicken, easy dinner