Hawaiian Chicken Slow Cooker

Hawaiian Chicken made in the slow cooker is a sweet, tangy, and tropical-inspired dish that brings island flavors to your table with minimal effort. Juicy chicken is slow-simmered in a savory pineapple sauce until tender and infused with flavor—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker Hawaiian chicken is incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with pineapple, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar creating a crave-worthy glaze. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, comforting meal. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and made all in one pot for easy cleanup.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Pineapple chunks (with juice)
• Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• Brown sugar
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (fresh or ground)
• Red bell pepper (sliced)
• Onion (sliced)
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

directions

1. Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken.
3. Add sliced bell pepper and onion on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
5. Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
6. Shred or leave the chicken whole. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes (on low)

Variations

• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
• Tropical twist: Stir in mango chunks or coconut milk for added sweetness and creaminess.
• Veggie boost: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
• Low-sugar: Reduce the brown sugar or use honey for a more natural sweetener.
• Grilled option: Use the sauce as a marinade and grill the chicken instead.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:

• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

You can freeze cooked Hawaiian chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw it first for even cooking and better flavor absorption.

What kind of pineapple should I use?

Use canned pineapple chunks in 100% juice. Avoid syrup-packed varieties for a healthier sauce.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes. Simmer everything in a large skillet over medium heat for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is reduced.

What’s the best cut of chicken?

Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts work well too for a leaner option.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sauce and chicken the night before and store it in the slow cooker insert (refrigerated). In the morning, just set it to cook.

Can I add barbecue sauce?

Yes. Add a few tablespoons for a smoky-sweet BBQ Hawaiian flavor.

What should I serve with Hawaiian chicken?

Rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or a simple side salad pair well.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 6-quart or larger slow cooker and double all ingredients proportionally.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a flavorful, low-effort meal that brings a tropical touch to your dinner table. With its tender chicken, sweet pineapple sauce, and simple preparation, it’s a perfect recipe for family meals, entertaining, or just brightening up your week with something delicious and satisfying.

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