If you’re craving something juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breasts slow-cooked until they melt in your mouth, bathed in a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce infused with the tropical brightness of pineapple. This dish delivers a perfect harmony of sweet and savory that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for casual get-togethers. Let me take you through making this irresistible classic that will quickly become a staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple is part of what makes this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe so amazing. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken to the vibrant pineapple and rich barbecue sauce, every bite is a celebration.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: They stay moist and tender during slow cooking, plus the skin adds extra flavor.
- Barbecue sauce (16 oz bottle): A sweet and tangy base that brings depth and a smoky character to the dish.
- Pineapple chunks (8 oz can): Provide natural sweetness and a tropical pop that perfectly complements the BBQ sauce.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by draining the pineapple chunks, but be sure to save the juice—we’ll use it for extra flavor later. If you happen to have pineapple slices, dice them into smaller pieces for more even distribution throughout the dish.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with the diced pineapple chunks. This fusion is where the magic starts, blending smoky, sweet, and tangy notes to create the signature Hawaiian flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Crockpot
Pour a little bit of the barbecue pineapple sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful base. Then, arrange the chicken breasts on top so they can soak up all those delicious juices as they cook.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure every piece is nicely covered. This ensures each bite bursts with that perfect blend of sweetness and tang.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Set the crockpot to high and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or choose the low setting and let it go for 6 to 8 hours. Slow cooking tenderizes the chicken beautifully while melding those tropical flavors together. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.
Step 6: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and shred or slice it however you like. Don’t forget to spoon some of the extra sauce over the top for that irresistible finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe serves wonderfully alongside your favorite sides. Let’s explore some delicious ways to present and complete your meal.
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes amplify both the look and flavor of this dish. Consider bright green chopped scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch and contrast. A wedge of lime on the side adds a zesty brightness that complements the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like fluffy steamed white rice or coconut rice work beautifully, soaking up the Hawaiian-inspired sauce. Roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad provide a balanced texture and earthy flavor to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your presentation? Serve the shredded chicken piled on Hawaiian-style slider buns for a tropical twist on sliders. Another fun idea is to stuff the chicken mixture into warm pita bread or enjoy it over a bed of quinoa with chopped fresh pineapple and cilantro for a vibrant bowl meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers even tastier!
Freezing
If you want to make this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe ahead of time, freezing is your friend. Let the chicken cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. To avoid drying out the chicken, add a splash of the reserved pineapple juice or some water to keep it moist as it warms through.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts work fine, but bone-in tends to stay juicier and more flavorful after slow cooking. Just keep an eye on cooking time since boneless pieces may cook a bit faster.
Is it okay to use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple is a great alternative and will add a bright, natural sweetness. Make sure to drain any excess juice after chopping so the sauce isn’t too watery.
Can I double this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts) to handle the extra ingredients without overcrowding. Cooking times may need a bit of adjustment.
What type of barbecue sauce is best for this recipe?
Using a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce works best to balance the pineapple’s natural sweetness. Feel free to choose your favorite brand or even make your own!
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, but the slow cooker really helps meld the flavors and tenderize the chicken effortlessly. If using a stovetop, simmer gently in a covered pan on low heat until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30-40 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a little tropical sunshine to their dinner table. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavors that will keep everybody coming back for more. Go ahead and try it tonight—you’re only a few easy steps away from deliciousness!
Print
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make slow-cooked dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a tangy barbecue and pineapple sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal, this recipe combines savory and sweet Hawaiian-inspired flavors that pair wonderfully with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
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 with juice reserved
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple: Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice for later use. If using pineapple slices instead, dice them into small pieces to mix easily with the sauce.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and the diced pineapple chunks thoroughly, creating a sweet and tangy mixture.
- Layer the slow cooker: Pour a small amount of the barbecue pineapple mixture into the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker to form the base layer.
- Add the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce in the slow cooker, then pour the remaining barbecue pineapple sauce evenly over the chicken to coat it well.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred or slice the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred or slice according to your preference. Return any remaining sauce to the chicken or serve it on top.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and serve it alongside rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for added flavor and moisture during slow cooking.
- Reserve pineapple juice if you want to add extra sweetness or adjust the sauce consistency.
- Internal temperature for cooked chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on stovetop until desired thickness is achieved.
