This sweet Hawaiian Crockpot chicken brings the aloha spirit straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Every bite is tropical and delicious!
Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked to perfection in a tantalizing pineapple, soy, and ginger sauce. The result is a mouthwatering meal that’s both comforting and exotic.
With this recipe, you set it and forget as it fills your home with irresistible aromas.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Effortless: Add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do all the work. You get a delicious meal without
Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Juicy pineapple chunks complement tender chicken in a rich, tangy sauce. It’s a mouthwatering dish the whole family will enjoy!
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in a single slow cooker means fewer dishes to wash. So you can enjoy your delicious meal without the hassle of a messy kitchen.
Versatile: Customize it to your taste preferences. Adjust the spice levels or sweetness levels. Or add different veggies. But it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Rice, quinoa, or fresh salad are fantastic options!
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The main event! Tender and juicy chicken pieces soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Soy Sauce Mixture: A savory blend of soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, honey, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. This adds depth and umami to the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper: It adds a pop of color and a sweet, crisp texture that complements the tender chicken and tangy pineapple.
- Pineapple Chunks with Juices: It provides a tropical sweetness and tang. Pineapple balances the savory elements of the dish while adding a juicy burst in every bite.
- Chicken Broth: It enhances the sauce with a savory depth, ensuring the dish is flavorful and moist.
- Cornstarch: It thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency, making it cling to the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Sliced Green Onions: They add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant color, making the dish visually appealing and extra tasty.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Making this chicken is as easy as it gets!
1. Prep. Add the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, honey, ground, and red pepper flakes to a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined.
2. Combine. Place the chicken thigh pieces and diced green bell pepper in the slow cooker. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and bell peppers. Stir to coat evenly.
3. Add the pineapple. Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice. Add the pineapple chunks to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
4. Thicken. Add the reserved pineapple juice, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Whisk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. Cook. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it is cooked through and tender.
6. Adjust. Taste the sauce 15 minutes before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more honey for sweetness or red pepper flakes for heat- whatever you like.
7. Serve. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over cooked rice or quinoa, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This recipe is foolproof, but these tips make it even better.
- Swap the chicken thighs. While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can also use chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Adjust the sweetness. Taste the sauce 15 minutes before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more honey for extra sweetness or red pepper flakes for heat, depending on your preference.
- Don’t overcook! Avoid overcooking the chicken in the Crockpot, as it will become rubbery and tough. Cook on LOW for 5-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Try tasty add-ins. Try extra veggies like diced onions, broccoli, or carrots. Add them to the crockpot with the bell peppers.
- Serve it your way. Serve the sweet Hawaiian chicken over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. You can also shred the chicken and serve it on buns for Hawaiian-style pulled chicken sandwiches.
- Give it a finishing touch. Top the finished dish with sliced green onions for added freshness and a pop of color before serving.
How to Store
Keep leftover Hawaiian chicken fresh with these tips.
To Store: Place the chicken in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing the container.
To Freeze: Transfer room-temperature chicken to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Reheat the chicken in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until thoroughly heated.
Can you use rotisserie chicken instead?
How many cups?
When would you add it?
Thank you, needed to use my crockpot and make a homemade meal for once.
This recipe is so delicious!!
So glad you enjoy it, Brenda!