When it comes to easy, flavorful, and family-friendly dinners, slow cooker recipes reign supreme. And few dishes can rival the sweet, tangy, and tropical charm of Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken. This recipe is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, featuring tender chicken simmered in a pineapple-infused sauce that’s bursting with island-inspired flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker dish delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Hawaiian chicken is known for its signature flavor combination: sweet pineapple, tangy vinegar, and a bit of savory soy sauce, all melded together into a glossy, mouthwatering glaze. In this slow cooker version, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart with each bite, as it soaks up all those tropical flavors throughout the day.
One of the best things about this recipe is how hands-off it is. With just a few minutes of prep time in the morning, you can come home to a house filled with the irresistible scent of dinner ready to be served. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, but fancy enough to serve for guests.
The base of this dish starts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Both work beautifully, but thighs are especially moist and flavorful. Combined with crushed pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of vinegar, the chicken cooks low and slow until it becomes incredibly juicy.
Serve it over fluffy white rice, coconut rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also pair it with grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works all year round but feels especially perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
This Hawaiian chicken is also incredibly versatile. You can shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or tacos. It stores well in the fridge for days and freezes like a dream, making it a go-to for meal prep enthusiasts.
Kids love it for its sweet and savory profile, and adults appreciate how effortlessly it all comes together. It’s naturally gluten-free (just use a gluten-free soy sauce), and you can easily adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking.
If you’re looking to switch up your regular chicken rotation, this recipe offers a refreshing and tropical twist. It’s cozy, comforting, and bright all at once—like a vacation in a bowl.
Best of all, it only requires a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have on hand. No need for fancy ingredients or complicated cooking techniques.
Whether it’s a rainy day when you want something warming, or a sunny day when you crave something bright and fun, this slow cooker Hawaiian chicken hits the spot.
So dust off that slow cooker and get ready to transport your taste buds to the islands. One bite of this sweet and savory chicken, and you’ll be hooked.
It’s more than a meal—it’s a reminder that dinner can be delicious, easy, and a little bit tropical.
Servings: 6
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (on low)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together crushed pineapple (with juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker.
- Cook uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes, or until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips:
- Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts but both work well.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like a bit of heat.
- Make it tropical by serving with coconut rice and grilled pineapple.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for a future easy dinner.
- Use leftovers in tacos or sandwiches for a fun twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Sweet and savory tropical flavor.
- Easy, hands-off slow cooker method.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Family-friendly and customizable.
- Feels like a mini vacation in every bite.
Summary: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a sweet and savory tropical-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining. Tender chicken simmers in a pineapple-soy glaze until it falls apart with flavor. Serve over rice for a complete and comforting meal.
