Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
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One of my favorite things about this crock pot sweet Hawaiian chicken is how it takes the pressure off dinnertime. Once it’s in the slow cooker, I can focus on everything else on my to-do list without worrying about what’s for dinner.
I feel really relieved when I walk into the kitchen after a busy day and dinner is ready to eat. Recipes that make life a little easier while still bringing everyone happily to the table are the ones I come back to again and again.
The sweet and smoky flavor is a nice change from our usual weeknight meals, and it doesn’t require extra effort on my part!
Instant download of our tips to cook the best chicken!
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
This Sweet Hawaiian chicken recipe is made in a slow cooker. This helps me put a homemade meal on the table with very little hands-on time, which is exactly what
I often have enough leftovers for quick lunches or dinners later in the week, which always feels like a bonus.
This meal consistently turns out tender and flavorful – reliable crock pot recipes are a must for busy families.
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making crock pot sweet Hawaiian chicken! I’ve made this meal countless times, so I can save you from a failed attempt.
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks evenly and is easy to serve.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while it cooks. Every time you open the slow cooker, heat escapes and can increase the cooking time.
- Give the chicken a good stir before serving. This helps coat every piece in the sauce.
- If the sauce seems a little thin, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. The sauce will naturally thicken slightly as it cools.
Ingredients
You’ll want to add these ingredients to your grocery shopping list:
Chicken breasts become tender and easy to shred in the slow cooker. If you have chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken thighs on hand, they will work as well.
Crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness while helping keep the chicken juicy. If needed, you can substitute pineapple chunks—they’ll soften and break apart as they cook.
I make my own sugar free barbecue sauce, but store-bought works too. Just use what your family enjoys the most.
If you would like to include veggies, you can add 1 diced bell pepper and/or red onion.
How to Make Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
For the full step by step instructions, see the recipe card! ⬇️
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- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, then give it a quick stir to coat the chicken.
Quick Tip
Avoid lifting the lid while the meal is cooking. Every time you peek, heat escapes, which will slow down the cooking process.
- Once the sweet Hawaiian chicken is cooked through, give everything a good stir so each piece is evenly coated.
- Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Storing and Freezing
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When you're ready, reheat the sweet Hawaiian chicken in a saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. It can be reheated in the microwave, too, so it's a great option for easy lunches or another quick dinner.
This recipe also freezes beautifully. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag, then freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken FAQs
Yes, as long as your crock pot is large enough. Avoid filling it more than about three-quarters full so everything cooks evenly.
If the chicken has been cut into bite-sized pieces before being frozen, you can use it. Just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes of cook time to be sure that it cooks through. I do not recommend using whole chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
Sure! Simply add the ingredients to the inner pot—no extra liquid is needed. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes (12 minutes if using frozen diced chicken), then allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
Serving Suggestions
The crock pot sweet Hawaiian chicken is easy to pair with whatever your family enjoys most. I usually serve it over white jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
It's delicious with a side of green beans, cucumber salad, or air fryer broccoli.
If you'd like to change things up, spoon it into lettuce wraps, pile it onto sandwiches, or use the leftovers to make quick rice bowls.
After you make it, please leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how it went!
Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Equipment
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless thighs
- 15 ounces canned crushed pineapple or 2 cups fresh or frozen pineapple
- 1.5 cups barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Dice 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts into about 1 inch cube pieces.
- Transfer the chicken to the crock pot. Add 15 ounces canned crushed pineapple and 1.5 cups barbecue sauce. Stir the ingredients to combine them.
- Cover and cook on Low heat for 3.5 - 4 hours or High for 2 - 2.5 hours. *If using frozen diced chicken, add an additional 30-45 minutes to the cook time. When it's done cooking, the chicken should be at least 165°F (74°C) and fork tender, and the sauce should be simmering and thickened slightly.
- Carefully open the lid and spoon the chicken mixture onto plates. Garnish with lime and chopped cilantro (optional).
This is the tastiest, easiest chicken crockpot I have EVER had. Followed the recipe and would not change a thing! Had it over rice, very filling! Definitely recommend trying this, you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you so much Barb! I am so thrilled to hear you loved it so much.
I am a diabetic and like easy crock pot receipts do you have any Nola
Looks delicious! Has anyone shredded the chicken after? Excited to try the recipe 🙂
Hi Eliza! Yes, I have done that! It’s awesome in lettuce wraps with some avocado! 🙂 -Laura
WHAT IS THE SERVING SIZE?
Hi Olivia, this recipe yields about 6 servings, which ends up being about 3/4 – 1 cup per serving, depending on the size you cut the chicken. Hope you enjoy the recipe! 🙂 -Laura
I have all the ingredients, going to make this on Tuesday
Hi Marvin! I’m so happy to hear that. Please come back and let us know what you think of it. 🙂 -Laura