Nothing says tropical comfort like a warm plate of Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken breast, juicy pineapple, and a sweet-savory sauce that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of an island getaway. The slow cooker does all the work, turning simple ingredients into a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Served over fluffy rice and topped with fresh herbs, this Hawaiian-inspired chicken is a family favorite. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy pineapple, sticky glaze, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Whether you’re craving something different or planning a fun dinner theme, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
You’ll love how effortless yet impressive this dish is. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with flavors that develop beautifully over time. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe you can pair with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps. The tropical sweetness of pineapple married with a savory sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds a brighter, slightly more tart flavor to the dish. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized chunks, and you may need to add a splash of pineapple juice or water to keep the sauce from thickening too much. Canned pineapple in juice is more convenient and works just as well if you’re in a pinch.
Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts bring the perfect lean protein to this dish, soaking up all the tropical flavors without drying out. Pineapple chunks lend natural sweetness and a juicy texture that’s key to this Hawaiian classic. Soy sauce adds that savory umami depth, while brown sugar gives the sauce a sticky caramelized finish. Fresh garlic and ginger are essential for a touch of spice and warmth. A little cornstarch thickens the sauce into a luscious glaze. Finally, fresh herbs like parsley or green onions make a bright garnish.
How To Make the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and pineapple juice from the can (reserve the chunks for later).
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Add Pineapple and Thicken
In the last 30 minutes, add the pineapple chunks. To thicken the sauce, whisk cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook until the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice, topped with fresh herbs and sliced chili for a little heat if desired.
Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or casual get-together. Serve it piping hot over steamed rice or your favorite grain. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken?
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Soft, fragrant rice is the perfect base to soak up all that sweet-savory sauce.
Garlic Butter Noodles
For a comforting twist, serve the chicken over buttery noodles with garlic.
Roasted Vegetables
Carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers roasted with olive oil and salt balance the sweetness nicely.
Hawaiian Rolls
A soft, slightly sweet roll on the side complements the flavors beautifully.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Smoky, charred corn adds texture and a hint of summer to your plate.
Green Salad with Citrus Dressing
A fresh, zesty salad helps lighten up the meal.
Coconut Rice
For even more tropical flair, swap regular rice for fluffy coconut rice.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting and creative dishes:
• Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken for another citrusy, sweet and savory slow cooker favorite.
• Best Chicken and Rice Casserole for a hearty, oven-baked classic.
• Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a light yet satisfying dinner.
• Cheesy Chicken Fritters if you’re craving crispy bites of chicken with gooey cheese.
• Chicken Parmesan for a timeless Italian favorite everyone loves.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try fresh pineapple or stick with canned? Did you serve it with coconut rice or classic white?
I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to ask any questions or share your twist!
Explore more beautifully curated chicken dinners and other family-friendly meals on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites!
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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
- Total Time: 4-5 hours
- Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Description
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a flavorful and easy chicken dinner recipe made with juicy chicken breasts, sweet pineapple, soy sauce, and savory garlic. This slow cooker chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or family dinners, delivering tropical flavors everyone will love.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can pineapple chunks in juice drained (about 20 oz)
1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chop the bell pepper into strips. Drain the pineapple if using canned.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until combined.
3. Place the chicken, pineapple chunks, and red bell pepper in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top and stir gently to coat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook uncovered to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve the Hawaiian chicken hot over steamed rice, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Be sure to use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup, to avoid making the dish too sweet.
This recipe can be doubled if your slow cooker is large enough, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Dinner
