Sweet Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

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This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is an easy-to-make dinner recipe, made with a sweet, tangy combination of pineapple and BBQ sauce for the perfect balance of flavors, and the chicken comes out so tender. So if you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner, this Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is going to be your new go-to!

A spatula lifting a portion of Hawaiian Chicken from a crockpot, with sauce and pineapple chunks visible.

You just throw everything in the crockpot, and a couple of hours later, you’ve got a meal ready to serve over rice. It’s one of those dinners that feels special, but without all the fuss.

If you're looking for more easy, no-fuss meals like this, be sure to check out my 35+ Dump and Go Crockpot Dinners for even more delicious, time-saving recipes that make dinner a breeze. You’ll find tons of options that are just as simple and satisfying—perfect for busy nights!

Close-up of Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken served on a plate with rice, topped with pineapple chunks and sliced green onions.

Ingredients

Crushed Pineapple: Adds a tropical burst of flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Brings that classic BBQ flavor and pairs perfectly with the pineapple, creating a deliciously balanced sauce for the chicken.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the tangy BBQ sauce and pineapple.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor that enhances the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the BBQ sauce.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The perfect protein for this dish.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce toward the end of cooking.
Green Onions: Add a pop of color and a mild, zesty crunch on top of the dish.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Sweet Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

A bowl with pineapple, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce being mixed..

In a medium bowl, mix the pineapple, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce.

A crockpot filled with sauce mixture, pineapple chunks, and chicken, ready to cook.

Pour the mixture into the bottom of the crockpot.

Place the chicken on top of the sauce.

Cook on high for 2-3 hours.

A hand holding a small bowl or cornstarch mixture, with a spatula and Hawaiian Chicken in the crockpot visible in the background.

Mix a teaspoon of water and cornstarch in a bowl, then pour it into the crockpot near the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken served on a plate with rice, topped with pineapple chunks and sliced green onions.

Serve over rice with sliced green onions.

Hint: If you're looking for a little extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or some chopped bell peppers to the crockpot. It’ll add a fresh zing and some color to the dish!

Substitutions & Variations

If you don't like chicken breasts, boneless skinless chicken thighs work just as well. They’ll be even more tender and flavorful!
You can switch up the flavor of the BBQ sauce to suit your taste. A sweeter variety will really complement the pineapple, or you can go for a tangy one for a more balanced flavor.
Use fresh pineapple if you prefer! Just be sure to chop it into small chunks to mimic the texture of canned crushed pineapple.
For a gluten-free option, simply swap in tamari or coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce.
Feel free to add some veggies—throw in bell peppers, carrots, or even snap peas toward the end of the cooking time. They’ll cook just perfectly in the sauce.

💭Crucial Success Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce, but don’t overload the crockpot. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger crockpot or splitting it into two batches.
Thicken the Sauce: To get the perfect sauce consistency, add the cornstarch mixture about 15 minutes before serving to help it thicken up without making it too gloopy.
Cook Time: Keep an eye on the cook time—if your chicken is small and cut into cubes, 2 hours on high should do the trick. If you’re using larger pieces, you may need the full 3 hours.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and chicken the night before, refrigerate it, and then just pop it in the crockpot in the morning.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it may take longer to cook. If you do, I recommend cooking it on low for 4-5 hours.

Can I use this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe! Just make sure you have a big enough crockpot, and adjust the cook time slightly if needed.

📖 Recipe

4 servings

Sweet Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a sweet and savory dish made with juicy chicken, pineapple, and a rich sauce. The slow cooking makes the chicken tender and flavorful, while the pineapple adds a tropical twist. Serve it over rice for a simple and tasty meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

20 oz can crushed pineapple
⅓ cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 ½ lbs boneless Skinless chicken breasts, cubed (1 inch)
2 tablespoon cornstarch
1 green onion to garnish

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix the pineapple, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
Pour the mixture into the bottom of the crockpot.
Place the chicken on top of the sauce.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours.
Mix a teaspoon of water and cornstarch in a bowl, then pour it into the crockpot near the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.
Serve over rice with sliced green onions.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 447Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 809mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 2gSugar: 34gProtein: 54g

How to Store Sweet Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little extra water or pineapple juice to loosen up the sauce.