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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with tamari/coconut aminos)

Description

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a hands-off, slow-cooked dish that perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken thighs with sweet pineapple and a savory, tangy glaze. Combining simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, this recipe delivers tropical flavors with minimal effort, ideal for busy weeknights or casual family meals. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in wraps for a versatile and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Other

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture forms a smooth, flavorful glaze.
  2. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the chicken thighs into the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken. Distribute the pineapple chunks around and on top of the chicken.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and cook uncovered to thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze coating the chicken.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over steamed rice or your preferred base. Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro as desired, then enjoy the tropical flavors.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for the best texture and moisture retention during slow cooking.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it creates the perfect sticky sauce consistency.
  • Fresh pineapple chunks add more vibrant sweetness compared to canned.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding extra brown sugar or pineapple juice if preferred.
  • For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce beforehand if time allows.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian / American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, sweet and savory chicken, tropical chicken recipe, easy dinner, crockpot recipe