Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Effortlessly Delicious
Imagine coming home to a house filled with the aromatic scent of tropical flavors, ready to serve a meal that tastes like it came straight from an island paradise. That’s exactly what you get with Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. This slow-cooked, tender chicken recipe combines sweet pineapple, tangy teriyaki, and savory spices to create a dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Best of all? You just set it in the crockpot and let it work its magic, making dinner stress-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set-it-and-forget-it: Perfect for busy schedules
Tender, juicy chicken: Slow-cooking locks in flavor
Sweet and savory flavor profile: Pineapple and teriyaki sauce complement the chicken perfectly
Versatile serving options: Serve over rice, noodles, or in tacos and wraps
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike
Ingredients
4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
½ cup teriyaki sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Season chicken with a little salt and pepper.
For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side before adding it to the crockpot (optional but enhances depth of flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together:
Teriyaki sauce
Soy sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Garlic and ginger
This creates a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Add pineapple chunks on top.
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Step 4: Shred or Serve Whole
You can leave the chicken whole or shred it for a pulled-style dish.
Toss the chicken in the sauce before serving to coat every piece in flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for freshness.
Serve over white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Optional sides: roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier during slow cooking than breasts.
Adjust sweetness: Add more honey or brown sugar for extra sweetness, or reduce for a less sweet version.
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