Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both sweet and savory, easy to make, and completely irresistible, then Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe! Imagine juicy, tender chicken simmering in a tropical blend of pineapple, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness—basically, a mini Hawaiian vacation in a bowl. The best part? It’s made in your trusty crockpot, so you can just set it and forget it.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a family get-together, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with the way those flavors meld together, and it’s so easy to make that you might just end up adding it to your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Effortless to Make

The crockpot does all the work for you. Just toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and let it slow cook until the chicken is fall-apart tender. Perfect for busy days or when you want to focus on other things while dinner cooks itself.

Sweet and Savory Magic

The balance of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce creates a flavor profile that’s addictively good. It’s like a tropical breeze in every bite! A little tang, a little sweetness—it’s the perfect combination.

Versatile & Customizable

You can serve this dish over rice, with steamed veggies, or even on a bun for a delicious sandwich. Plus, it’s easy to make adjustments—add some heat with a splash of sriracha, or sprinkle in some fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

Great for Meal Prep

This recipe makes a decent-sized batch, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Leftovers taste even better as the flavors marinate and develop overnight!

Ingredients in Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need for this tropical chicken dish:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They cook up juicy and tender in the crockpot and soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Pineapple: You’ll need pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) for that sweet and tangy flavor that really makes this dish pop. Don’t forget to save the juice for the sauce!
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and savory richness to the sauce.
• Honey: For just the right amount of sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that aromatic kick to balance out the sweetness.
• Ketchup: A little bit of ketchup helps to round out the sauce and create a slightly tangy flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a light acidity to the sauce and brightens up the overall taste.
• Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce and giving it a velvety, glossy texture.
• Green Onions: Optional, but they add a fresh, vibrant pop when sprinkled on top right before serving.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low
• Total Time: 4-6 hours

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot. No need to cut them up—they’ll cook perfectly as whole breasts and can be shredded later!

Step 2: Make the Sweet Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together pineapple chunks (with juice), soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ketchup, and rice vinegar. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Pour Over Chicken

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook the chicken on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the crockpot, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the thickened sauce. Serve the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over rice, with steamed vegetables, or on a bun for a tropical twist on a chicken sandwich. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Over Rice

This dish is perfect served over fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up all that flavorful sauce and pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.

In a Sandwich

Serve it on a soft sandwich bun for a tropical chicken sandwich. Add some fresh greens or a slice of cheese for a bit of extra flavor.

With Veggies

Pair it with steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a well-rounded meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.

In Lettuce Wraps

For a low-carb option, serve the shredded chicken in lettuce wraps instead of bread or rice. It’s light and fresh, with just as much flavor!

Additional Tips

Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more honey or even some brown sugar. If you want it a bit tangier, add extra rice vinegar or a splash of lime juice.

Spicy Kick

For a little heat, add a tablespoon of sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will balance out the sweetness with a spicy kick.

Make It Ahead

This dish is great for meal prepping. You can make it ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat it throughout the week. It also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and save some for later!

Serving Size

This recipe makes about 4 servings, but it’s easy to double if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Just use a larger crockpot and adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness to the dish, and they’re just as tender when slow-cooked.

Q2: Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
A2: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can make this in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, then shred the chicken and thicken the sauce as directed.

Q3: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A3: Yes, fresh pineapple will work just fine. Just be sure to cut it into chunks and use the juice from the pineapple as well for that extra flavor.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can make this dish up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A6: Definitely! You can add bell peppers, carrots, or even snap peas to the crockpot in the last hour of cooking for extra flavor and texture.

Q7: How can I thicken the sauce more?
A7: If you like your sauce extra thick, you can add more cornstarch (in a slurry with water) and let it cook longer on high.

Q8: Can I make this dish spicy?
A8: Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste for a spicy twist.

Q9: Can I use another kind of meat?
A9: You can easily substitute the chicken for pork or beef. The cooking time may vary, but the method remains the same.

Q10: What side dishes go well with this?
A10: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed veggies, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a side of crispy fried plantains for a tropical flair!

Conclusion

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is one of those dishes that’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken is an irresistible flavor duo that’s just begging to be served over rice or in a sandwich. So fire up that crockpot, sit back, and enjoy a meal that feels like a tropical vacation!

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