Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving something that brings a burst of tropical sweetness paired with tender, juicy chicken, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. It combines the smoky richness of barbecue sauce with the vibrant, tangy punch of pineapple in a simple crockpot method that makes weeknight dinners utterly effortless. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and melts in your mouth texture that’s guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but pack a flavorful punch. Each one plays a special role, from adding the tender base of chicken to the sweet and tangy pineapple that makes this recipe pop with Hawaiian charm.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: About 4 to 6 pieces, roughly 2 pounds; using bone-in keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful during slow cooking.
- Barbecue sauce (16 oz bottle): The smoky sweetness of your favorite barbecue sauce complements the pineapple perfectly.
- Pineapple chunks (8 oz can): Drained, with juice reserved; the pineapple adds a tropical zing and tender fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple
Start by draining the canned pineapple chunks, but don’t toss that juice! Keep it handy for mixing with the barbecue sauce, which combines the sweet and tangy elements in your crockpot. If you’re lucky enough to have pineapple slices instead, dice them into bite-sized pieces for a consistent texture throughout.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together your barbecue sauce and the diced pineapple chunks. This mixture is where all the magic begins—infusing your chicken with rich smokiness and bright pineapple flavor as it slow cooks.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Pour a small portion of the barbecue pineapple sauce into the bottom of a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker. This base layer prevents the chicken from sticking and starts the flavor layering right from the bottom.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts on top of that initial sauce layer. Then drown them in the remaining barbecue-pineapple sauce, making sure each piece is generously coated. This step ensures every bite is juicy and full of flavor.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Chicken
Set your crockpot to cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Cooking low and slow melts the meat into tender perfection, and checking for an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees safe and delicious results. The chicken will soak up all those vibrant flavors during this time.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
When your chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove the pieces and shred or slice them as you prefer. Pour the remaining sweet Hawaiian barbecue sauce over the top before serving to add an extra layer of lusciousness. This completes the dish nicely and heightens the tropical taste experience.
Step 7: Pair It Up
Serve your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or alongside a fresh salad to round out the meal and let the flavors shine even more.
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions or some toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top lend a pop of color and add subtle textural contrast. These little touches transform the dish into a visual delight and make every bite more inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy white rice or coconut rice, which soak up the savory-sweet sauce perfectly. For some variety, roasted sweet potatoes or a crisp pineapple slaw offer complementary flavors and textures that enhance the tropical vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shredded chicken stuffed into slider buns with a bit of extra barbecue sauce for a fun Hawaiian-style sandwich, or spoon it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. You can even turn this into a taco filling with a side of pickled red onions and fresh cilantro for a casual yet zesty meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, and you can enjoy it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat the chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat to keep it moist and tender, or microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of extra sauce or pineapple juice helps revive those luscious flavors.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts will cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying out. The flavors remain just as delightful.
What if I don’t have canned pineapple chunks?
Fresh pineapple diced into chunks works great too. Just be sure to save any juice or add a little pineapple juice to the sauce for that authentic sweet Hawaiian touch.
Can this dish be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken first, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes and allow natural release. It’s a quicker alternative that still delivers tender, flavorful results.
Is the barbecue sauce spicy?
That depends on the brand you choose. For a milder dish, go with a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce; if you like a little heat, pick one with a kick or add some chili flakes to the sauce mixture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is your best bet—look for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe and perfectly tender. The meat should pull apart easily when done.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe is like a mini vacation in your kitchen, combining ease, flavor, and a touch of island sunshine that brightens up any mealtime. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your dinner rotation!
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (High) or 8 hours 10 minutes (Low)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender bone-in chicken breasts simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce combined with sweet pineapple chunks. This comforting dish infuses Hawaiian-inspired flavors into a simple crockpot meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Sauce
- 1 bottle (16 oz) barbecue sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice for later use or another recipe. If using pineapple slices instead, dice them into smaller pieces.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with the diced pineapple chunks, mixing well to incorporate the sweetness evenly.
- Layer Sauce in Slow Cooker: Pour a small amount of the barbecue pineapple mixture into the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce layer. Then, pour the remaining barbecue and pineapple sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred or slice them as preferred. Serve the chicken topped with the remaining sauce from the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Suggested Serving: Pair the sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken with side dishes such as rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad to create a complete and balanced meal.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts provide more flavor and moisture, but you can substitute boneless, skinless breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Reserving the pineapple juice allows for use in smoothies or marinades.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the barbecue mixture.
- Ensure the slow cooker is preheated or monitor early cooking to prevent undercooking the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
