Nora
Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce – this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is everything you need for a cozy and flavorful dinner. The rich combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple creates a savory-sweet glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
What makes this dish even better is its simplicity. Toss everything into the slow cooker, let it simmer for hours, and you’ll have a tropical-inspired meal that tastes like it took all day in the kitchen – with barely any effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want comfort food with a burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
This dish is a perfect mix of sweet and savory, making it a family favorite. It’s:
- Easy to prepare with minimal prep work.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
- Great for meal prepping – leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Versatile – serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.
What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Hawaiian Chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and soak up all the sweet and tangy sauce. However, chicken breasts also work well if you prefer a leaner option. For extra flavor, you can even use bone-in chicken pieces, though they may require a bit more cooking time.
Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the signature sweet and savory Hawaiian flavor:
- Chicken thighs or breasts – The protein base that absorbs all the delicious sauce.
- Pineapple chunks with juice – Adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor.
- Soy sauce – Balances sweetness with umami depth.
- Brown sugar – Creates a rich caramel-like sweetness that complements the pineapple.
- Garlic and ginger – Infuses the dish with warmth and aroma.
- Red bell pepper – Adds color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness.
- Cornstarch slurry – Thickens the sauce for a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
How To Make the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Pour the sauce over the chicken, then add pineapple chunks and sliced red bell pepper.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken and set aside. Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) into the sauce and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well before serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it great for family dinners or meal prepping.
For serving, ladle the saucy shredded chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or pair it with noodles for a hearty twist. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months – just thaw and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken?
1. Coconut Rice
The creamy, lightly sweet flavor of coconut rice perfectly complements the tangy pineapple sauce.
2. Garlic Butter Green Beans
Bright, garlicky beans add a fresh and crunchy side to balance the rich chicken.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory-sweet sauce.
4. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
A creamy, classic Hawaiian side that rounds out the meal.
5. Grilled Pineapple Slices
Enhance the tropical vibe by adding caramelized pineapple rings on the side.
6. Simple Garden Salad
A crisp and light side to keep things fresh.
7. Dinner Rolls or Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Great for soaking up the extra sauce.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken, you might enjoy these other flavorful chicken dishes:
- Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Crispy, cheesy perfection with a restaurant-quality taste.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – Creamy, cheesy comfort food in a casserole dish.
- Classic Butter Chicken – A rich and creamy Indian-inspired favorite.
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes – A hearty alternative when you’re craving beef.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts – A velvety, garlicky dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
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And when you try it, let me know in the comments how it turned out. Did you add extra veggies? Did you make it spicier with a dash of chili flakes? I love seeing your versions – sharing ideas helps us all cook better!
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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 900 g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for slurry
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a bowl, whisk pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over chicken, then add pineapple chunks and sliced bell pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Remove chicken, stir cornstarch mixed with water into sauce, and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Shred chicken, return to the sauce, and serve over rice or noodles.