I’m so excited to share this new recipe for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. It’s healthy, delicious, and so easy to make! The Worlds Best Chicken recipe! Only 4 ingredients to put into the crockpot and done in 6-8 hours!
Just chicken, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a slow cooker combine for this delicious chicken dish that will leave your kitchen smelling great.
When it comes to making dinner, I LOVE to use my crockpot. With after-school activities ramping up again soon it is just so nice to know that dinner is ready to go and I don’t have to spend precious time in the kitchen during those after school hours. I have a Hamilton Beach Crock Pot and I love it! It is perfect for feeding a family of four and we always have leftovers when I make this crockpot Hawaiian chicken recipe so if you have a larger family it would work well too.
Four ingredients and a slow cooker is all you need to make this healthy Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken. It’s sweetened naturally with pineapple and perfectly balanced with a soy sauce kick! Simply add your ingredients and let it simmer away.
Why We Love It – Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Yup, you read that right. There are only 4 ingredients in this recipe! But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s boring- It’s jam packed with flavor!
Sweet canned pineapple is paired soy sauce and to make the best ever Hawaiian inspired flavor combination.
The chicken comes out ultra tender and delicious. And because it’s made with all natural ingredients, it’s also Whole30 compatible and Paleo friendly.
But the real beauty of this dish is how little work is involved! You simply add your ingredients to your slow cooker, then turn it on. I call this “dump and start” cooking, and it’s one of my favorite things!
The chicken simmers away in the sauce until it’s fork tender, then just serve with cauliflower rice, purple cabbage slaw, or all by itself!
It’s also freezer friendly, so you can save leftovers or make a double batch for easy meals later on. And don’t forget to check out my hawaiian bread too!
Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Canned crushed pineapple. Look for pineapple in 100% juice instead of heavy corn syrup.
- Soy Sauce. Use soy sauce low sodium
- Brown Sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
👉 Don’t like canned pineapple? Substitute diced fresh or frozen pineapple!
👉 Don’t have chicken breasts? Use boneless chicken thighs!
👉 Want to add veggies? Add a diced bell pepper (fresh or frozen) and/or red onion to the slow cooker.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to dice the chicken breasts into bite sized pieces.
Step 2: Add the chicken, pineapple, soy sauce and brown sugar to your slow cooker. Close the lid and turn on.
Cook Times
- Low Heat: 3.5-4 hours
- High Heat: 2-2.5 hours
Note: If using frozen diced chicken, add an additional 45 minutes to an hour to the cook times.
When the chicken is fork tender, it’s ready! Remember to always check to make sure chicken is cooked to at least 145°F, per USDA.
Instant Pot Instructions
Add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot inner pot. No additional liquid is necessary.
Close the lid and turn High Pressure for 8 minutes. If using frozen diced chicken, adjust the time and cook for 12 minutes.
Allow for a Natural Pressure Release (NPR), then carefully open the lid. Stir and serve!
Tips & FAQ
What to serve with Hawaiian chicken?
Hawaiian chicken is great all on its own, and you can customize the sides based on your tastes and dietary restrictions. Other ideas for sides:
Jasmine rice
Cauliflower rice
Spaghetti squash
Purple cabbage slaw
Sliced avocado
Cilantro
Lettuce wraps
Can I substitute chicken things?
Absolutely! Use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Note that you may need to cook the chicken thighs slightly longer than breasts. Because thighs are slightly denser and fattier than lean breasts, they require longer cooking to become tender. Add an extra 20-30 minutes to cook time if using thighs.
Can use frozen chicken?
Frozen chicken would work great in this recipe. When using frozen chicken, simply add an additional 30-45 minutes of cook time.
Wow to store leftovers?
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, per USDA.
Can I freezer Hawaiian chicken?
Hawaiian chicken freezes perfectly! Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a freezer safe airtight container or bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, and lay it flat in the freezer. Freeze for up to 6 months, per USDA. To defrost, set the container on a plate in the refrigerator overnight.
Equipment
- crock pot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloin chunks
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 large can Pineapple Chunks drained (reserve juice)
Instructions
- In a bowl combine the pineapple juice, Brown Sugar and Soy Sauce
- Place the chicken tenderloins chunks in the Crockpot
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken
- Cover and cook 6-8 hours on low depending on your crockpot
- When there is 1 hour of cook time remaining…drain the Pineapple Chunks and pour the Chunks on top of the chicken.
Video
Nutrition
