Hawaiian crockpot chicken is the dinner recipe that swoops in and saves the day when life feels too busy for stovetop juggling. Honestly, I first stumbled into this recipe after a long workday when even the thought of chopping onions made me want to order takeout. Instead, I tossed a few simple ingredients in my slow cooker and crossed my fingers, hoping for a miracle.
Then, as the kitchen slowly filled with the sweet aroma of pineapple and savory chicken, my mood did a complete flip. Suddenly, dinner felt like a mini vacation—no palm trees required. Also, there’s something about the tangy, sticky sauce that just makes you want to dance around the kitchen, even if you almost forgot to plug in the crockpot (oops, been there!).
Personal Anecdote
First off, let me confess: I made Hawaiian crockpot chicken on a total whim during one of those weeks when my brain barely had room for a grocery list. My kids were circling like tiny sharks, and I needed a dinner solution that didn’t involve endless stirring or fancy techniques. So, I remembered seeing a friend rave about an easy Mississippi chicken recipe, and figured, why not try something with a tropical twist? I tossed in chicken, pineapple, and a few pantry staples, then let the slow cooker work its magic.
However, I’ll admit, I almost forgot the bell pepper—had to dig it out from behind a potato in the fridge! But that’s the beauty of crockpot dishes , right? There’s room for a little chaos. By the time dinner rolled around, the kitchen smelled like a summer luau, and my family was actually excited to sit down together. It’s one of those chicken slow cooker recipes that just works, even when you’re feeling scattered.
Why This Recipe is Special
Also, Hawaiian crockpot chicken is special because it brings a hint of sunshine to any dinner table, whether it’s a gray winter night or a lazy summer evening. The sweet and tangy combo of pineapple and savory sauce is somehow both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s so hands-off that you can focus on other things—like catching up on homework help or sneaking in an episode of your favorite show.
Finally, if you love dinner recipes crockpot style, this one will quickly become a favorite. It’s just as easy as the best creamy ranch chicken dinner I’ve tried, but with a fun, sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe twist. Trust me, it’s a keeper for busy nights and cozy family dinners alike.
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed | ½ pound |
| Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomato paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Pineapple chunks with juices (small can) | 8 ounces |
| Scallions for garnish (optional) | |
| Rice for serving (optional) |
Utensils and substitutions
When making hawaiian crockpot chicken at home, you’ll need a slow cooker (any size works, but I usually grab my 3-quart one), a sharp knife for dicing, and a cutting board. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a dash of extra soy sauce or a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar can do the trick. Sometimes, I swap the red bell pepper with yellow or orange, depending on what’s in my fridge.
For families wanting to keep things gluten-free, tamari is a great substitute for regular soy sauce. You could even toss in some extra veggies—think potatoes or snap peas—to bulk it up and make it more of a one-pot meal. If you love chicken slow cooker recipes, you might also enjoy my Best Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Family Approved Dinner Recipe or the Best Cozy Merry Me Chicken Pasta For A Hearty Family Dinner for another night. Also, if you want to make sure your crockpot dishes are as healthy as possible, check out advice on balanced meals at MyPlate.gov. With these handy tips, you’ll be ready to whip up dinner recipes crockpot style any night of the week!
Step-by-step method for a Hawaiian crockpot chicken
Step 1
First, in your slow cooker, mix the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir well so the flavors combine nicely.
Step 2
Next, add the cubed chicken breasts, diced red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks with their juice to the slow cooker. Gently stir everything to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
Step 3
Then, cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce or brown sugar if you like. Finally, garnish with sliced scallions and serve over rice for a comforting dinner.
Tips and tricks to make this Dinner recipe shine
To make your Hawaiian crockpot chicken truly stand out, use fresh pineapple chunks if possible—they add a natural sweetness that brightens the dish. Also, try adding diced potatoes to the slow cooker for a heartier meal that fits well into your Crockpot Dishes lineup. When you want a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe pairs perfectly with simple steamed rice or even mashed potatoes. For more easy chicken slow cooker recipes , check out the Best Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl For A Healthy Family Dinner and the Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe. These dishes offer variety while keeping dinner prep simple. Lastly, don’t rush the cooking time; slow and low brings out the best flavors in your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe , making it a favorite for any dinner occasion.
What to serve with this Dinner recipe
This hawaiian crockpot chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce. Also, roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad can add a nice contrast to the meal, balancing the flavors beautifully. For more ideas, check out our Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight and Easy Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken Healthy Dinner Recipe You’ll Love for tasty dinner recipes crockpot options.
How to store and reheat
After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, warm the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to keep it juicy and tender. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe flavors.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just add extra cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through safely.
What is the best cut of chicken to use?
Chicken thighs work great because they stay moist during slow cooking, but chicken breasts are fine if you prefer leaner meat.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Absolutely! Adding potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers can make this a one-pot meal full of flavor and nutrition.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the flavors are sweet and tangy, making it great for all ages and spice preferences.
Can I prepare this recipe without a crockpot?
You can cook it in a slow cooker or use a covered pot in the oven at low heat, but cooking times will vary.
Print
hawaiian crockpot chicken – Full recipes (ingredients + preparation)
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A sweet and savory crockpot chicken featuring pineapple and bell peppers cooked slowly for tender results. This easy slow cooker dish combines simple ingredients for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon brown sugar
Black pepper to taste
1 red bell pepper, diced
8 ounces small can of pineapple chunks with juices
Scallions for garnish (optional)
Rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. In the slow cooker, combine the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir well to mix.
2. Add the cubed chicken breasts, diced red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks along with their juice to the slow cooker.
3. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the chicken and bell peppers are evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more soy sauce or brown sugar.
6. If desired, garnish with sliced scallions and serve over rice.
Notes
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free preference.
Adjust sweetness by varying the brown sugar amount.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Thanks for spending time in the kitchen with me today! This hawaiian crockpot chicken is a simple way to bring a bit of tropical sweetness to your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to please. Don’t forget to explore more comforting dishes like our Mediterranean Chicken Piccata and Lemon Spinach Parmesan Chicken for your dinner recipe crockpot collection. For even more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest and keep your meal planning fresh and fun.