Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is a vibrant, slow-simmered dish where boneless chicken thighs marinate in a tangy teriyaki-pineapple sauce with bell peppers and onions, cooked low for juicy tenderness—ideal for weeknight dinners, luau parties, or meal prep with hands-off crock pot ease and sweet-savory glaze. This 6-hour recipe (mostly passive) serves 4–6 at ~400 calories per serving, blending pineapple’s tropical sweetness with soy-ginger depth. For more slow-cooker ideas, explore our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, which pairs with this for a Hawaiian-Italian fusion.
What is the Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken Recipe?
The Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken Recipe is a slow-cooker meal where chicken thighs are layered with sliced bell peppers and onions in a sauce of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, cooked on low until sauce thickens and flavors meld, finished with pineapple chunks for tropical flair—perfect for mains. This easy essential uses the crock pot’s low heat for tender results without monitoring. If you’re craving island comfort, follow the Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to herbed sides like our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, where ginger echoes Asian notes.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
This recipe’s appeal is its set-it-and-forget-it method and tropical flavors, making it a busy-week staple.
Hands-Off Slow-Cooker Ease
Prep in 10 minutes, cook 4–6 hours low—dump and go. Ideal for workdays, like ease in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Tropical Sweet-Savory Balance
Pineapple’s tang with soy-ginger glaze creates juicy, flavorful bites—customize heat with sriracha, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
One crock pot; pantry staples like canned pineapple—stress-free, much like our Moist Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins.
Versatile Family Main
Serves 4–6; add rice for bowls. Pairs with veggies from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Nourishing Indulgence
Protein-fruit mix at ~400 calories/serving; tropical yet balanced, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Simplicity
Glossy chicken in pineapple glaze—garnish green onions for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free thickener, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Category: Main Dish, Slow Cooker
Method: Crock Pot
Cuisine: American/Hawaiian
Ingredients
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Chicken & Veggies
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice (from can or fresh)
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (or 1 tsp powder)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Trim 1½ lbs chicken thighs; cut into large chunks if desired. Optional: Brown in 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium-high 4–5 minutes for flavor.
- Layer Crock Pot: Place sliced onion and bell pepper in bottom of 6-quart crock pot. Add chicken on top.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk 1 cup pineapple juice, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp ginger, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low 4–6 hours until chicken tender (internal 165°F). In last 30 minutes, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water; stir in. Add drained pineapple chunks; cook until thickened.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or with veggies.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~400 calories.
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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken & Veggies Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (1½ lbs): Juicy, forgiving protein; thighs over breasts for moisture.
- Onion (1, sliced) & Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Sweet base flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Aroma.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp, optional): For optional browning.
Sauce Ingredients
- Pineapple Juice (1 cup): Tropical tang; from can for convenience.
- Soy Sauce (½ cup, low-sodium): Umami saltiness.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Sweet glaze.
- Ginger (1 tbsp grated fresh or 1 tsp powder): Warm spice.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Depth.
- Pineapple Chunks (20 oz can, drained): Fruity bursts.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Thickener for sauce.
- Salt/Pepper: Balance.
Garnish Ingredients
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Fresh, nutty finish.
These yield tender, glazed chicken.
How to Make Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
Focus on layering and low cook for essential tenderness.
Step 1: Chicken Prep
Trim thighs—essential for even cooking; brown optional for flavor.
Step 2: Crock Pot Layer
Onion/pepper base prevents sticking; add chicken atop.
Step 3: Sauce Whisk
Combine juice/soy/sugar/ginger/garlic—essential for balanced glaze.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Low 4–6 hours; add cornstarch slurry last 30 minutes for thickening.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add pineapple; garnish for color. Serve hot.
Inspired by slow-cookers? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers layering tips. For a classic external take, try this Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken recipe from Allrecipes, which simmers for tropical results.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days; reheat stovetop with juice splash. Freeze portions 2–3 months (in bags); thaw in fridge and reheat. Signs of spoilage: slimy chicken, sour sauce, mold—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, portion for juiciness.)
Tips and Variations
Use fresh ginger for zing; low setting prevents drying. Variations: Add carrots/pineapple early; spicy with sriracha. For Instant Pot, 8 minutes high pressure. Essential: Taste sauce before adding chicken. Like herb balance in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe, adjust soy.
Conclusion
Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is a tropical, tender essential for easy mains—juicy, glazed, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to slow-cooker. From picks to storage, success every bite. Cook ahead, serve and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for sides.