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Crockpot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

This Crockpot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with sweet and savory flavor from pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Easy to prepare in the slow cooker, this tropical-inspired chicken is delicious served over rice with colorful vegetables for a simple family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 can 20 ounces pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 small red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons green onions chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Add the pineapple chunks and ½ cup reserved pineapple juice.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
  4. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion around the chicken.
  5. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
  8. Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a smooth slurry.
  9. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Return the chicken and cook for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
  10. Shred or slice the chicken and gently toss it with the sauce and pineapple.
  11. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
  12. Serve warm over cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.

Notes

Boneless chicken thighs are especially tender, but chicken breasts work well too.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the salt level.
Do not overcook the chicken, as cooking times can vary between slow cookers.
Add the cornstarch slurry near the end for a thicker, glossy sauce.
Always check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Add extra vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas if desired.