Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
If you need a true dump-and-go dinner, this slow cooker Hawaiian chicken is it. It's sweet, savory, just a little tangy, and the sauce thickens into that glossy, spoon-over-everything goodness we all love. This is one of those "everyone eats it without complaining" meals. It's minimal prep, delivers great flavor, which is a busy dinner night goal for me!
Hawaiian chicken is especially popular in the spring and summer because pineapple brings that bright, tropical flavor. But for me, his recipe works year round.
I have a few other favorite slow cooker meals if you're looking for more quick, hands-off recipes:
Summarize & Save This Recipe On:
Quick Look
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Baking Method: Slow Cooker
- Best For: Busy weeknights, simple family meals
Jump to:
- Summarize & Save This Recipe On:
- Quick Look
- Important Ingredients
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
- Baking Schedule
- 💭Crucial Success Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- How To Store Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
- Other Delicious Recipes
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
- Need Help Tweaking This Recipe?
- Other Family Dinner Recipes You'll Love
- Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
- Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Summer Vegetable Soup
Important Ingredients
- Chicken breast cooks up tender and absorbs the sauce well
- Crushed pineapple the base of that sweet, tropical flavor
- BBQ sauce adds depth and a slightly smoky taste
- Soy sauce keeps the sweetness balanced
- Brown sugar helps create that thicker, richer sauce
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier result
- Swap BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor
- Add bell peppers or onions for extra texture
- Use fresh pineapple if you have it on hand
How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce until well combined (Image 1).
Step 2: Pour the mixture into the bottom of the crockpot (Image 2).
Step 3: Add the chicken on top of the sauce mixture (Image 3).
Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with about a teaspoon of water to create a slurry (Image 4).
Step 5: Pour it into the crockpot near the end of cooking to help thicken the sauce (Image 5).
Step 6: Stir gently (Image 6).
Step 7: Serve over rice and top with sliced green onions (Image 7).
Hint: don't lift the lid while it cooks. Slow cookers lose heat quickly, and lifting the lid can add 15-20 minutes to cook time.
Baking Schedule
If serving at 6 PM:
- 3:30-4:00 PM: Prep ingredients
- 4:00 PM: Start cooking on high
- 6:00 PM: Add cornstarch slurry
- 6:10 PM: Serve
You can also cook on low for 4-5 hours if needed.
💭Crucial Success Tips
Do not overcook the chicken. Chicken breast dries out if left too long in a slow cooker. Cook just until it reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
Recipe FAQs
It's safest to thaw chicken first. Food safety guidelines generally recommend thawing before slow cooking to ensure even heating.
This happens if too much pineapple juice is used or the slurry wasn't added. Cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce. Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes if needed.
Yes. It reheats well and the flavor deepens after sitting overnight in the fridge.
How To Store Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
This can also be frozen for later, just thaw and reheat when needed.
Other Delicious Recipes
- Marble Rye Sourdough Bread
- Giraffe Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Lazy Sourdough Tangzhong Sandwich Bread
- Sourdough Guinness Bread
If you tried this slow cooker hawaiian chicken or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below! Happy Baking!
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients
- 20 oz pineapple can crushed
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts cubed (1 inch), boneless Skinless
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 green onion to garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the chicken on top of the sauce mixture. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. I
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with about a teaspoon of water to create a slurry.
- Pour it into the crockpot near the end of cooking to help thicken the sauce.
- Stir gently.
- Serve over rice and top with sliced green onions.
