If you’re craving a dish that bursts with tropical flavors and melts in your mouth, you’re going to love this Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crock Pot Recipe. It’s a vibrant, hands-off meal that brings the taste of the islands right to your dinner table with juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Effortless and Flavor-Packed: Toss everything into the crock pot and come back to a deliciously saucy meal that requires almost no hands-on time.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The blend of pineapple, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce creates a sweet and tangy harmony that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this dish easily adapts and impresses every time.
Great for Meal Prep: It’s easy to make in bulk and stores well, meaning you can enjoy those island vibes even on your busiest days.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, coming together to create a hearty and colorful dish. From the tender chicken thighs soaking up a luscious sauce to the bright red pepper adding a hint of crunch and color, these components make the Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crock Pot Recipe truly standout.
- Chicken thighs or breast: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pineapple.
- Pineapple chunks with juice: The star of the dish, bringing tropical sweetness and acidity to balance the savory flavors.
- Soy sauce: Gives a salty, umami base that deepens the overall taste.
- BBQ sauce: Adds smoky, tangy notes to enrich the flavor profile.
- Brown sugar: For that perfect caramelized sweetness that complements the pineapple.
- Orange juice: Introduces a fresh citrus zing that brightens the sauce.
- Sesame oil and rice vinegar: Provide nutty undertones and a touch of acidity, rounding out the complex sauce.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced and grated, these aromatics add warmth and a slight kick to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and roughly chopping the red bell pepper. This pre-prep makes it easy to layer your ingredients in the crock pot and ensures everything cooks evenly to juicy perfection.
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Crock Pot
Place the chicken, chopped red pepper, pineapple chunks (with their juice!), soy sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and grated ginger directly into your slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the flavors.
Step 3: Set and Relax
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for about 2 hours or low for 4 hours. This slow cooking process lets the chicken absorb all those beautiful flavors while becoming tender and juicy.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Once the chicken is cooked through and perfectly tender, it’s time to serve. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and crunch that takes this dish from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped green onions and sesame seeds not only looks gorgeous but also adds fresh, crunchy texture and a mild nutty flavor that complements the saucy chicken beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crock Pot Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. Steamed veggies or a fresh green salad also make great companions for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over grilled pineapple slices or in a Hawaiian-style wrap with lettuce and shredded cabbage. It’s great for parties or casual meals where you want something a little different but just as tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This way, you can easily reheat and enjoy the flavors without compromising the juiciness of the chicken.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick weeknight dinner.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore moisture if needed.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crock Pot Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when slow cooked, chicken breasts are a great lean alternative. Just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
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Is it possible to make this recipe faster without a crock pot?
You can make a quicker version by cooking the chicken in a skillet and then simmering the sauce on the stove, but the slow cooker really brings out the depth of flavor and tenderness unique to this recipe.
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What can I use instead of BBQ sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of ketchup and a little Worcestershire sauce to maintain the sweet-savory balance.
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Can this recipe be adapted for a vegetarian option?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and simmer gently to allow the sweet and tangy sauce to soak in. Add extra veggies like bell peppers and snap peas for heartiness.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crock Pot Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone looking to infuse a little island magic into their meals without any fuss. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors combined with tender chicken makes it a surefire family favorite—so don’t wait to give it a try and share those warm, tropical vibes around your dinner table!
Print
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken recipe features tender chicken cooked slowly in a flavorful blend of pineapple, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, and aromatic seasonings. It’s a simple and delicious dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or breast, cut into chunks
Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 red pepper, roughly chopped
- 20 ounce can pineapple chunks with juice
Sauces & Oils
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Sweeteners & Aromatics
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
Garnishes (optional)
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut chicken thighs or breasts into chunks and roughly chop the red pepper. Open the can of pineapple chunks, keeping the juice.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken, red pepper, pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger all into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Cook Chicken: Set your slow cooker on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. Let the chicken cook until it is fully cooked through and tender, absorbing the sweet and savory sauce flavors.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the Hawaiian chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs makes the dish juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- The slow cooker timing can vary slightly depending on your model; check for doneness to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken when done and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before serving.
- Serve over white rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
