There’s something magical about tossing a few ingredients into a slow cooker and coming home to a kitchen that smells like heaven. This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is one of those effortless recipes that transforms simple pantry staples into something irresistible. Juicy, tender chicken smothered in a sticky, sweet-savory pineapple glaze, it captures the tropical flavors of the islands with minimal effort.


Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a feel-good meal, this dish delivers on all fronts: flavor, simplicity, and comfort. Whether served over fluffy rice or tucked into a warm bun, it’s a family-friendly crowd-pleaser that will quickly become part of your regular rotation.
What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?
While you can use either boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thighs tend to yield more flavorful, juicy results after slow cooking. They’re also less likely to dry out, which makes them ideal for absorbing the bold, tangy-sweet sauce.
Ingredients for the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, thighs hold up beautifully in the slow cooker.
Pineapple Juice: Brings the tropical sweetness that defines this dish. It also tenderizes the chicken.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth to the sauce and balances the tangy notes.
Soy Sauce: Gives the dish its savory umami base, complementing the sweet pineapple.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds warmth and a subtle bite to the sauce.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect sticky consistency.
Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (optional): For garnish, crunch, and a pop of freshness.
How To Make the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place your boneless skinless chicken thighs into the bottom of your crockpot. You don’t need to brown them first—let the slow cooker do all the magic.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set aside. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and simmer until thickened.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
Shred or cube the cooked chicken and return it to the thickened sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Serve over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve and Store Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Serve this dish hot over white rice, jasmine rice, or coconut rice to soak up all the savory pineapple sauce. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—just thaw and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?
Steamed Jasmine Rice
The neutral, fluffy grains are perfect for soaking up that rich sauce.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
A cool, creamy pasta salad balances the warm, sweet-savory chicken.
Grilled Pineapple Slices
Amp up the tropical flair with caramelized pineapple on the side.
Roasted Green Beans
Add a pop of green and a crispy element to your plate.
Garlic Butter Naan
Use this as a flatbread to scoop up saucy bites—a fun twist.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this crockpot favorite, check out these equally comforting and flavor-packed dishes:
- Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken
- Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
- Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy
- White Wine Parmesan Chicken
Save This Pin For Later
Save this tropical treat to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find next time you want a hands-off dinner that’s full of flavor.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe added a splash of sriracha or pineapple chunks? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Looking for even more inspiration? Explore my kitchen creations every day on Savor Queen on Pinterest. There’s something new and tasty waiting for you there!
Delicious Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate fix-it-and-forget-it meal bursting with tropical flavor. Juicy chicken thighs simmer all day in a sweet and savory sauce made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. It’s the perfect go-to for quick dinners, weeknight comfort, or lazy weekend meals. Serve it over rice, with veggies, or on a sandwich bun for a twist. Whether you’re after easy dinner ideas, crockpot chicken recipes, or tasty food ideas for the family, this one’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Place chicken thighs in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour over chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is very tender.
4. Remove chicken and set aside. Pour sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water to form a slurry. Simmer until sauce thickens.
6. Shred or cube the chicken, return to sauce, and stir to coat evenly.
7. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Using fresh pineapple juice gives a brighter flavor but canned works great too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken, Hawaiian chicken, easy dinner, sweet pineapple chicken
