If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly combines bold flavors with tender, juicy chicken, then this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite! Imagine succulent chicken breasts slow-cooked in a luscious blend of tangy barbecue sauce and sweet pineapple, creating a perfect harmony of savory and tropical tastes. This recipe is as comforting as it is vibrant, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe comes together with just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing that irresistible balance of flavors and textures you’ll love.
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: These provide juicy, tender meat that holds up beautifully during slow cooking.
- 1 bottle (16 oz) barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand to add a smoky, tangy base that complements the sweetness.
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained with juice reserved: Pineapple adds natural sweetness and a bright tropical twist while the juice enhances the sauce’s depth.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by draining the pineapple chunks well, keeping the juice aside to use later if you want to add extra flavor to the sauce. If you’re using pineapple slices instead of chunks, dice them into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every bite gets that delightful burst of fruity sweetness.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with the diced pineapple pieces. This simple mixture is what will slow-cook into your chicken, saturating it with a perfect sweet and tangy glaze. Mixing now evenly distributes the pineapple, so every forkful shines.
Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker
Pour a small amount of the barbecue pineapple mixture into the bottom of your 5 to 6-quart slow cooker. This thin base helps prevent the chicken from sticking and starts flavoring from underneath.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on top of that sauce layer, then pour the remaining barbecue pineapple sauce over the chicken pieces. Make sure each breast is well-coated, so the flavors seep deep into the meat while cooking.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on High for about 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and juicy once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, making it easy to shred or slice and soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
When the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. You can shred or slice it as you prefer, then return it to the slow cooker to be smothered with extra sauce before serving. This step perfectly marries the texture and flavor for that mouthwatering bite.
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or cilantro to brighten up the dish with a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet barbecue sauce.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, which soaks up every drop of sauce. Alternatively, roasted potatoes or a fresh, crisp salad can balance the richness, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe in warm tortillas for a tasty twist on tacos, or pile it over a bed of coleslaw for contrasting textures and an explosion of flavor. You can even turn it into a hearty sandwich with a toasted bun and some pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
The cooked chicken with sauce freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen leftovers maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this tropical comfort food whenever you like.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of pineapple juice or a little water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts will work well and reduce cooking time slightly, but bone-in, skin-on chicken tends to stay more tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
What type of barbecue sauce is best for the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe?
Choose a barbecue sauce you enjoy, whether that’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. A sweeter sauce complements the pineapple nicely, but feel free to experiment based on your taste preference.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken?
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, or even chunks of sweet potatoes can be added to the slow cooker to make the meal heartier and add layers of flavor and texture.
Is it better to shred the chicken or slice it?
Both options work beautifully. Shredding makes the chicken easier to mix with the sauce, while slicing keeps the pieces intact for a more elegant presentation. Choose based on how you want to serve it.
Can I make this recipe in an instant pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for the Instant Pot by using the pressure cook function for about 10-15 minutes, followed by a quick release. Just be sure to adjust liquid amounts slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe brings the perfect balance of easy cooking and incredible flavor to your table. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish promises satisfying, juicy chicken infused with tropical sweetness that’s sure to bring smiles all around. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished go-to in your recipe collection!
Print
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful and tender slow-cooked dish featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts simmered in a delicious blend of barbecue sauce and pineapple. This easy-to-make recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with tangy barbecue sauce for a perfect balance, served best over rice, roasted potatoes, or alongside a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Sauce
- 1 bottle (16 oz) barbecue sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained with juice reserved
Instructions
- Prepare Pineapple: Drain the pineapple chunks carefully, reserving the juice for later use. If using pineapple slices instead, dice them into small pieces.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with the diced pineapple chunks, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Layer Sauce in Slow Cooker: Pour a small amount of the barbecue pineapple mixture into the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce layer in the slow cooker, then pour the remaining barbecue pineapple sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cook Chicken: Set the slow cooker to High and cook for 3-4 hours, or alternatively on Low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred or slice them as desired. Serve the chicken topped with the remaining sauce from the slow cooker.
- Pair with Sides: For a complete meal, serve the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad to complement the savory and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts provide more flavor and moisture than boneless chicken.
- Ensure the slow cooker is at least 5-6 quarts to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Retain the reserved pineapple juice if you want to add extra moisture or sweetness to the sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached 165°F for safe consumption.
- This recipe is easily adjustable for larger portions by increasing chicken and sauce quantities proportionally.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
