Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken – Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Growing up in a household filled with laughter and the smell of home-cooked meals, I learned early that food isn’t just about taste—it’s about memories. One evening, I stumbled upon a simple combination of pineapple, chicken, and brown sugar in the crockpot, and it instantly became a family favorite. Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is not only easy and comforting, but it also brings people together over warm, tropical flavors that everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a game-changer for weeknight dinners and family gatherings. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with sweet pineapple chunks and a sticky, tropical sauce that makes every bite irresistible. The crockpot does the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on your day. It’s fully customizable—swap chicken thighs for breasts, adjust sweetness, or add vegetables. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for busy nights and special occasions alike.

Keyword-heavy points: sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken, easy sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken, crockpot pineapple chicken, family-friendly slow cooker recipes.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Each ingredient in Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken plays a role in building a perfectly balanced, tropical flavor profile. Chicken thighs provide juicy, tender meat, while pineapple adds natural sweetness and acidity. Brown sugar and ketchup enrich the sauce, giving it that sticky, caramelized texture. Soy sauce adds depth, and garlic and ginger bring a subtle aromatic warmth. Together, these ingredients create an easy, flavorful, one-pot meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):

For the Chicken:

2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless & skinless
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup soy sauce
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Cooked white or brown rice (optional)

How to Make This Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Start by seasoning the chicken and combining the sauce ingredients for maximum flavor infusion. Layer the pineapple over the chicken to ensure it releases natural juices while cooking. Let the crockpot slowly work its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, sticky, tropical dish. Shredding the chicken at the end is optional, but it allows the sauce to coat every bite, making it irresistible.

🛒 Steps:

Step 1: Lightly grease the crockpot and season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar to create the sauce.
Step 3: Place chicken in the crockpot and pour sauce over it. Add pineapple chunks on top.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Step 5: Optional: shred chicken and toss with sauce before serving.
Step 6: Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and serve over rice.

Expert Cooking Tips

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is simple, but a few tips can elevate it to perfection. For the juiciest meat, use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust sweetness by adding extra pineapple juice or honey if desired. Cooking low and slow ensures the chicken absorbs the tropical flavors fully. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for color and nutrition. Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meal prep and enjoy the tropical goodness anytime.

💡 Expert Tips:

Cook on low for maximum flavor infusion.
Shred chicken for better sauce coverage.
Add extra pineapple juice for enhanced tropical sweetness.
Include vegetables for a colorful, balanced meal.
Freeze in single servings for meal prep convenience.

FAQs

Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.

See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.

Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.

Baked Salmon in Foil – Easy Weeknight Dinner Idea

Crispy Baked Italian Parmesan Chicken Recipe (So Juicy!)

Moist Hawaiian Banana Bread with Coconut & Pineapple

Best Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken – Juicy & Flavorful

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate family-friendly dish—easy, flavorful, and bursting with tropical sweetness. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it brings together tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a rich, sticky sauce in one simple crockpot meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is a keeper for any home cook looking to impress family and friends while enjoying a quick, comforting dinner.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

---

• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~6–7 hours
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A sweet and savory slow-cooked chicken dish with tender chicken thighs, juicy pineapple chunks, and a sticky, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe is easy, comforting, and full of tropical flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless & skinless

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions

• Sesame seeds

• Cooked white or brown rice (optional)

---

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Crockpot

• Lightly grease the slow cooker.

• Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.

• Pour sauce over chicken and add pineapple chunks on top.

Step 4: Cook

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

Step 5: Serve

• Remove chicken and shred with two forks if desired.

• Pour sauce and pineapple over chicken.

• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

• Serve over rice or enjoy as-is.

Notes

• Make it sweeter: Add a bit of honey or extra brown sugar.
• Chicken alternatives: Chicken breasts work, but reduce cooking time to avoid drying.
• Meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days or can be frozen.
• Extra flavor: Add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for more tropical taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Category: Main / Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
• Cuisine: Hawaiian / American