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Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe

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5 from 1 review

Author: Natalie Edwards
Total Time: About 6 hours
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Introduction

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s comforting, family-friendly, and bursting with tropical flavor, then Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken is the perfect dish. This recipe takes simple ingredients — chicken, pineapple, BBQ sauce, and a few pantry staples — and transforms them into a sweet and savory meal that practically cooks itself.

The magic lies in the slow cooker (Crock-Pot). You just throw in the ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner time. The result? Juicy, tender chicken infused with the sweet tang of pineapple and the smoky richness of BBQ sauce.

This dish has become a favorite across the United States not only because it’s easy but because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Effortless Cooking: Just dump everything into the Crock-Pot and let it do the work.
✅ Tropical Flavors: Sweet pineapple meets savory chicken and BBQ sauce.
✅ Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge or freezer.
✅ Versatile: Can be served with rice, noodles, or even in tacos.

Health Benefits of Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

While this recipe leans on the indulgent side with BBQ sauce, it can be part of a balanced diet:

High Protein: Chicken provides lean protein that helps keep you full.
Vitamin C & Antioxidants: Pineapple boosts immunity and aids digestion.
Low Effort = More Home Cooking: Cooking at home means more control over ingredients (less sodium & sugar than takeout).
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to make it GF-friendly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of your Crock-Pot.
Lightly season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Add Veggies & Pineapple

Scatter sliced onion, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks over the chicken.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly across everything.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover with the lid.
Cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Shred & Serve

Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crock-Pot.
Mix with the sauce for juicy, flavorful results.
Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

🍚 Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with:

Steamed Jasmine or Coconut Rice – a tropical classic.

Noodles or Chow Mein – for an Asian-inspired twist.

Lettuce Wraps – for a low-carb option.

Tacos or Sandwiches – make Hawaiian BBQ chicken sliders.

Fresh Salad – balance the sweetness with fresh greens.

🥡 Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat: Microwave or stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Meal-prep tip: Cook a big batch, divide into meal prep containers, and pair with rice or roasted veggies for grab-and-go lunches.

🌟 Variations

Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños.

Teriyaki Style: Replace BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different tropical vibe.

Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, carrots, or snap peas.

Honey Garlic Hawaiian Chicken: Mix honey and garlic into the sauce for a sweeter twist.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw first for best results. If cooking from frozen, add an extra 1 hour.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes, then do a quick release.

Q: What cut of chicken works best?
Thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner and shred well.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Q: Does this taste very sweet?
It’s a balance of sweet and savory. You can adjust sweetness by using unsweetened pineapple or less BBQ sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

Sear chicken in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker for extra flavor.

Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more natural taste.

Don’t overcook — chicken should shred easily but stay juicy.

Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a tropical twist. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you enjoy it with rice, in tacos, or as meal prep for the week, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

So, grab your Crock-Pot, throw in a few simple ingredients, and let the flavors of Hawaii bring warmth and joy to your table. 🌺🍍

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Method: Slow Cooker / Crock-Pot
Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 cup chicken + sauce)
Calories: 285kcal
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2.2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5.2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 75mg

2 thoughts on “Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe – Sweet, Savory & Tropical Comfort Food”

I love how simple the ingredients are — perfect for a busy day when you want a flavorful meal with minimal prep.”

I have tried this. Amazing recipe

Bufzi Kitchen