Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work very well in Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. They stay extra juicy and absorb the sauce beautifully. Cooking time stays the same, and the flavor becomes slightly richer.

Can I make this recipe less sweet?

You can easily reduce the sweetness by cutting the brown sugar down to one third cup. Using low sodium soy sauce also helps balance the sweet and savory flavors. Adding a small splash of rice vinegar at the end can tone down sweetness as well.

Do I need to thicken the sauce?

In most cases, the sauce thickens naturally during slow cooking. If you want it thicker, remove the lid for the last 20 to 30 minutes. You can also stir in a cornstarch slurry made with one tablespoon cornstarch and one tablespoon water during the final 15 minutes.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini work well. Add quick-cooking vegetables during the last 30 minutes so they stay tender and do not turn soft.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is great for meal prep. It reheats well and keeps its flavor, making it perfect for lunches and quick dinners throughout the week.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Description

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy sweet and savory pineapple sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect over rice for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup pineapple chunks with juice

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 teaspoon ginger powder

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 small onion, chopped

Instructions

1. Layer the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers on the bottom of the crockpot.

2. Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.

3. In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple chunks with juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger.

4. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.

6. Shred the chicken if desired, stir it back into the sauce, and serve warm over rice.

Notes

To store: Let cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or pineapple juice if needed.

Serving ideas: Serve over white rice, jasmine rice, coconut rice, or in sandwiches and wraps.

Tips: Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness and include the pineapple juice for the best sauce texture.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 390
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken, slow cooker hawaiian chicken, pineapple chicken crockpot, easy crockpot chicken