Looking for a delicious way to bring tropical flavor to your dinner table with zero fuss? This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is your answer. Juicy chunks of chicken slow-cooked in a sticky sweet sauce with pineapple and red peppers — it’s a family-friendly meal that practically cooks itself.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or anytime you’re craving that island-style flavor, this dish checks all the boxes: simple ingredients, big taste, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Unlike overly complicated Hawaiian chicken recipes, this version uses pantry staples and comes together with just 10 minutes of prep. You’ll love how the slow cooker Hawaiian chicken develops bold flavor with barely any hands-on time. Just toss it in the pot, let it simmer, and serve over fluffy white rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Want more cozy chicken dinners? Check out our creamy ranch chicken crockpot recipe for another easy crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
What Is Hawaiian Chicken?
Hawaiian chicken is a sweet and savory dish inspired by the tropical flavors of the islands. Typically made with pineapple, a tangy-sweet sauce, and tender pieces of chicken, this comforting meal blends bold seasonings with a touch of natural sweetness.
There’s no one single way to make Hawaiian chicken recipes, but many versions include soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sometimes tomato or Worcestershire for depth. The sweetness usually comes from pineapple juice or chunks, which caramelize beautifully in the slow cooker.
In this sweet Hawaiian chicken crockpot recipe, we skip the frying pan and go straight to the slow cooker. It’s a fuss-free method that lets the chicken slowly soak in the sauce, becoming incredibly juicy and flavorful. Red bell peppers add color and crunch, making this not only delicious, but also vibrant and visually appealing.
Some recipes include BBQ sauce, others use huli huli-inspired marinades. Our version is simpler, more balanced, and crafted with whole ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Want more tropical flavor inspiration? Discover our caramel apple dessert cups — perfect for rounding out a Hawaiian-inspired meal!
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 (easily doubled or tripled) 1x
Description
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and savory pineapple-garlic sauce, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate tropical comfort food. Easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect over rice or cauliflower rice!
Ingredients
Chicken Choice & Prep:
- ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (or thighs)
Sweet & Savory Sauce Components:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp brown sugar
- Black pepper, to taste
Pineapple, Bell Pepper & Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz canned pineapple chunks (with juice)
- Optional: Sliced scallions, red pepper flakes
- Optional: Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Sauce
In your slow cooker, mix together soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper. - Step 2: Add the Chicken and Veggies
Add the cubed chicken, red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks (with juice). Stir to coat everything evenly. - Step 3: Slow Cook
LOW for 4–6 hours OR HIGH for 2–3 hours - Step 4: Taste and Finish
About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce or sugar to balance the flavor. - Step 5: Serve
Serve hot, over rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with scallions if desired.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking: Chicken dries out if cooked too long, especially on high.
- Balance the flavors: Start with less salt and sweetness, adjust later.
- Customize: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat. Try pineapple tidbits for a different texture.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or coconut milk for a rich variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American / Hawaiian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving – Without Rice
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 1203mg
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
If you’re searching for an easy, family-approved meal that delivers big on flavor, this sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a vacation in a bowl—warm, tropical, and completely satisfying.
Here’s why this slow cooker favorite earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
1. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
You only need a handful of pantry staples to create something magical. With pineapple chunks, soy sauce, garlic powder, and a few other basics, the sauce becomes perfectly sweet and savory.
2. Set It and Forget It
No babysitting, no stirring, no oven required. Just throw everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
3. Kid-Approved & Picky-Eater Friendly
The naturally sweet pineapple and tender chicken appeal to even the most selective eaters. Serve it over fluffy rice, and you’ve got a comforting, no-fuss meal everyone loves.
4. Great for Meal Prep
This Hawaiian chicken recipe stores beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a dream. Make a double batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
5. Customizable
Not a fan of red bell peppers? Swap in carrots or zucchini. Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños. You can even make it gluten-free with tamari.
Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Making this tropical-inspired chicken dinner in the slow cooker is easier than you think. Let’s break down the simple ingredients into categories so you can shop and prep with ease.
Chicken Choice & Prep
- ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option.
Trim excess fat and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces for even cooking and better sauce coverage.
Tip: Marinate the chicken for 15–20 minutes in a bit of soy sauce and pineapple juice before adding it to the crockpot for extra flavor.
Sweet & Savoury Sauce Components
The flavor magic of this sweet Hawaiian chicken crockpot recipe lies in the bold yet balanced sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
This mix gives your Hawaiian crock pot chicken its signature tangy-sweet depth. Adjust seasoning to your taste — you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a mild kick.
Pro Tip: The brown sugar and pineapple juice are what bring the sweet, tropical flavor together with the savory soy and Worcestershire blend.
Pineapple, Bell Pepper & Veggies
To complete the dish with color and freshness:
- 8 oz pineapple chunks (from a can, including the juice)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Sliced scallions, optional for garnish
The pineapple gives your slow cooker sweet Hawaiian chicken that island-inspired sweetness and juicy contrast to the tender chicken. The bell peppers add crunch, color, and balance.
Optional: Serve it over white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Looking for inspiration? Try this comforting slow cooker cowboy potato casserole—another dump-and-go winner with family-friendly vibes.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken (Step‑by‑Step)
This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken couldn’t be easier to make — just dump everything into your slow cooker and let the tropical magic happen. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Mix the Sauce Base
In the base of your slow cooker, combine:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- A few grinds of black pepper
Give everything a quick whisk or stir until the sauce looks smooth and blended. This sweet-savory combo is what gives the dish its signature island flavor.
Step 2: Add the Chicken, Pineapple, and Bell Peppers
Next, add:
- ½ pound cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 1 small can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, juice included
Stir gently to coat everything in that flavorful marinade. This step ensures every bite of your Hawaiian crockpot chicken gets infused with that sweet and tangy base.
Want a deeper flavor? Sear the chicken briefly before adding it. It adds a light golden crust and intensifies the savory notes.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to:
- LOW for 4–6 hours
or - HIGH for 2–3 hours
The result? Super tender chicken that soaks up the pineapple and sauce beautifully, with bell peppers that are still slightly crisp. Your slow cooker sweet Hawaiian chicken is almost ready!
Step 4: Taste, Adjust, and Garnish
About 30 minutes before serving:
- Taste the sauce and adjust if needed — more soy sauce for salt, more brown sugar for sweetness
- Optional: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a hint of heat
- Garnish with scallions or green onions just before serving
Serve over fluffy steamed rice to soak up that island-style sauce.
Don’t miss our Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes — a creamy, hearty alternative if you love slow cooker meals that practically cook themselves.
Variations to Try with Your Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is a versatile base recipe that easily transforms to fit your cravings, dietary needs, or what you already have on hand. Try one of these creative spins the next time you need a tropical dinner fix.
5‑Ingredient Dump‑and‑Go Version
Need something incredibly easy? This version skips the extras and still delivers delicious island flavor with just five ingredients:
What you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts (cubed)
- Canned pineapple chunks (with juice)
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Red bell pepper
How to make it:
Toss everything into your slow cooker and cook until the chicken is tender. No searing or sautéing required—just a flavorful, no-fuss tropical dinner.
Don’t miss our Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for another satisfying dump-and-go meal.
Spicy Hawaiian Chicken with Jalapeños
If you like it hot, this twist on Hawaiian chicken in the slow cooker brings the heat without losing that signature sweetness.
Add these for extra spice:
- Fresh jalapeños, sliced thin
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- A splash of Sriracha or hot sauce
When to add:
Add your spice components at the beginning to let the heat infuse the entire sauce as it simmers.
For more bold flavors, explore our Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.
Low‑Carb Hawaiian Chicken (Cauliflower Rice)
Eating low carb? This easy variation swaps out the starch but keeps the sweet-and-savory balance you love.
Simple substitutions:
- Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
- Omit or reduce the brown sugar—pineapple juice brings natural sweetness
It’s still hearty, satisfying, and ideal for keto or diabetic-friendly diets.
Looking for more low-carb meals? Discover our High Protein Butternut Squash Soup—perfect for lunch prep.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Whether you’re meal prepping or stashing leftovers for later, this sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken holds up well—especially when stored the right way. Here’s how to keep it tasting just as tropical and delicious the next day.
Can You Freeze Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?
Yes—this dish freezes wonderfully without the risk of losing flavor. However, a few quick tips will help preserve the texture:
- Let the chicken cool completely before freezing.
- Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Label and date—this Hawaiian chicken will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip: Freeze individual portions with cooked rice for easy heat-and-eat lunches.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
To maintain juicy, flavorful chicken, use gentle reheating methods:
- Microwave: Add a splash of pineapple juice or water before microwaving in 60-second intervals.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a covered pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Slow cooker: If reheating a full batch, set on LOW for 1–2 hours, adding a splash of liquid if needed.
Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking the chicken or breaking down the pineapple.
What to Serve With Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is bold, flavorful, and beautifully saucy — but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better. Whether you want something hearty to soak up all that tropical glaze or a fresh, bright contrast, here are the best ideas.
Rice & Sides to Soak Up the Sauce
A good starch is key to serving this dish. These options absorb that sweet-and-savory sauce like a dream:
- White rice – The classic pairing for a reason. It’s soft, neutral, and lets the flavors shine.
- Coconut rice – Adds another layer of tropical flavor with subtle sweetness.
- Jasmine or basmati rice – Fragrant and fluffy options to elevate your meal.
- Hawaiian rolls – Perfect for mopping up extra sauce or turning leftovers into mini sandwiches.
Lighter Sides and Tropical Complements
If you want to balance out the dish with something fresh or tangy, try these:
- Cucumber pineapple salad – Crisp, juicy, and refreshing.
- Steamed green beans – Add a clean bite to contrast the sweet sauce.
- Grilled or roasted zucchini – A mellow veggie that won’t overpower the flavors.
- Shaved cabbage slaw – Toss with a light vinaigrette for some crunch and acidity.
Top FAQs About Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first. Adding frozen chicken directly to your slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and safety concerns.
Can I make this Hawaiian chicken recipe with thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless skinless thighs add more richness and tend to stay moist and tender during slow cooking.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep or guests?
Yes, simply scale up the ingredients. Just make sure your crockpot isn’t more than 3/4 full to avoid overflow.
Can I use canned pineapple tidbits or fresh pineapple instead of chunks?
You sure can! Just make sure to include some juice, as it’s key to the sweet sauce flavor.
What’s a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce with a splash of balsamic vinegar or a bit of hoisin sauce can work in a pinch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is easy, but keep these tips in mind for the best result:
- Overcooking the chicken: Especially on high heat, it can dry out. Stick to the recommended time and check for doneness.
- Skipping the juice: The pineapple juice balances sweetness and acidity — don’t drain it.
- Using too much soy sauce: It can make the dish too salty. Start with less and adjust to taste.
- Not stirring before cooking: A gentle mix at the start helps distribute the flavors evenly.
- Opening the lid too often: Every peek adds extra cooking time and reduces heat efficiency.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you love the tropical-sweet and savory blend of this slow cooker Hawaiian chicken recipe, you’ll enjoy these next:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya – Packed with sausage, shrimp, and Cajun spice.
- Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – A cozy, family-friendly comfort meal.
- Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup – Rich, filling, and perfect for chilly evenings.
Looking for even more cozy meals? Don’t miss our Cozy and Comforting Soup Recipes Collection for cold-weather inspiration.
Final Thoughts: Why This Will Be Your Go‑To Tropical Crockpot Meal
This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken isn’t just a recipe — it’s a tropical escape in a bowl. With tender bites of chicken, juicy pineapple, and that signature sweet-savory glaze, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Whether you’re craving something fuss-free, prepping meals for the week, or cooking for a crowd, this easy slow cooker chicken delivers major flavor with minimal effort.
- Only a few pantry staples
- Customizable with spicy or low-carb swaps
- Picky-eater and family approved
Ready to impress your taste buds without turning on the stove? Add this tropical treasure to your weekly rotation.