Close-up of slow cooker Hawaiian chicken with pineapple chunks and red bell peppers

Easy Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken (Only 5 Ingredients!) – Sweet & Tangy Delight!

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Introduction:

Craving a taste of the tropics without the hassle? This Easy Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is your ticket to a flavor-packed, fuss-free dinner—requiring just 5 ingredients and minimal prep! 🌺

Created by Chef Andrew (a professional chef and slow cooker enthusiast), this dish delivers tender, juicy chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy pineapple-soy glaze—all while your Crockpot does the heavy lifting. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping, or hosting a last-minute potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Works:

✅ 5-Ingredient Magic – Pantry staples + juicy chicken = effortless cooking.
✅ Set It & Forget It – Dump everything in and let the slow cooker work its magic.
✅ Versatile & Customizable – Easily adapt for gluten-free, spicy, or veggie-packed versions.

“This dish tastes like a Hawaiian vacation—minus the flight!” – Chef Andrew

Ready to transform your dinner routine? Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and creative serving ideas that’ll make this recipe a staple in your kitchen! 🍍🍗

Ingredients & Substitutions (Bold Flavors, Simple Prep!)

📝 What You’ll Need:

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (or breasts for leaner option)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (or 20 oz canned pineapple chunks + juice)
  • ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium works great!)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (or honey for refined sugar-free)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (for crunch)
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated (extra zing!)
  • 1 tsp sriracha (for heat lovers)

Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Place chicken in the Crockpot (no need to sear first!).
  2. Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Pour over chicken.

Step 2: Cook Low & Slow

  • Low heat: 6-7 hours (best for tender shreds)
  • High heat: 3-4 hours (quicker option)
Raw chicken thighs in slow cooker with pineapple juice and soy sauce mixture being poured over top
“The secret to perfect Hawaiian chicken? Just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes prep – dinner couldn’t be easier!

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

  • Remove chicken, then simmer juices on HIGH for 15 mins to reduce.
Tender Hawaiian crockpot chicken glazed in sweet pineapple sauce served over white rice
This 5-ingredient Hawaiian chicken is weeknight magic – just set your slow cooker and come home to tropical flavors! 🍍🐔

Serving Suggestions & Pairings


🍚 Over rice (jasmine or coconut rice = heaven!)
🥗 With a crunchy slaw (balances the sweetness)
🌮 In tacos (top with cilantro & lime!)

Storage & Meal Prep Guide

  • Fridge: 4 days (reheats beautifully!)
  • Freezer: 3 months (sauce and all!)

FAQs (Answering Your Burning Questions!)

How do you make sweet Hawaiian chicken in the crockpot?

Simply combine chicken, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic in your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The pineapple juice caramelizes with the brown sugar to create that signature sweet-tangy flavor!

How long can you keep chicken in the crockpot?

For food safety and best texture:
Raw chicken: 4 hours max on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW
Cooked chicken: Can stay warm in the crockpot for up to 2 hours after cooking
Leftovers: Store in fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months

How to thicken Hawaiian chicken sauce?

3 easy methods:
Remove chicken and simmer juices on HIGH uncovered for 15-20 mins
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into sauce, cook 10 mins
Add 1 tbsp tomato paste during last 30 minutes of cooking

Does chicken get more tender the longer it cooks in a slow cooker?

Yes, but only up to a point! Chicken thighs become fall-apart tender after 6-7 hours on LOW, but can become dry if overcooked. Breasts should only cook 4-5 hours on LOW maximum.

How to keep chicken moist in a crockpot?

Use bone-in or thigh meat (more fat = more moisture)
Don’t overcook (follow recommended times)
Keep the lid on (prevents steam escape)
Add enough liquid (at least 1/2 cup)
Avoid stirring during cooking

More Easy Recipes You’ll Love

Tender Hawaiian crockpot chicken glazed in sweet pineapple sauce served over white rice

Easy Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Chef Andrew
Only 5 ingredients for this sweet and tangy slow cooker chicken with tropical pineapple flavor – the easiest weeknight dinner!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6 PEOPLE

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (or 20 oz can pineapple chunks with juice)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced Optional

Instructions
 

Prepare Ingredients

  • Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. If using bell pepper, add it now.

Make Sauce

  • In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar and minced garlic until sugar dissolves.

Cook

  • Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Optional Sauce Thickening

  • For thicker sauce, remove chicken and simmer juices on HIGH uncovered for 15-20 minutes.

Serve

  • Shred chicken if desired and return to sauce. Serve over rice with extra pineapple if available.

Notes

For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Chicken can be kept warm in slow cooker for up to 2 hours after cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal—packed with flavor, minimal effort, and maximum deliciousness!

👇 Pin this for later & leave a comment—I’d love to hear how yours turned out!

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