Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

Crock pot sweet Hawaiian chicken brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a sweet pineapple BBQ sauce in one easy sweet and tangy slow cooker meal. It's a family-friendly dinner that's packed with protein, full of flavor, and perfect for any night of the week.

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The backstory.

I always love finding new ways to change up chicken night without making dinner any more complicated. This recipe does exactly that. A handful of everyday ingredients come together in the slow cooker to create a meal that's colorful, comforting, and keeps everyone excited for dinner.

It's a must make.

If you're looking for an easy crock pot sweet Hawaiian chicken dinner that the whole family can get behind, this one deserves a spot on your menu.

• Sweet, tangy, and savory. Pineapple, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce come together for a sauce that's full of balanced flavor.
• A true dump and go dinner. Layer everything into the slow cooker, pour on the sauce, and let it cook while you get on with your day.
• Packed with colorful ingredients. Carrots, peppers, onions, and pineapple make every serving bright, hearty, and satisfying.
• Family-friendly and filling. Tender chicken thighs stay juicy while the vegetables cook right alongside them, making dinner easy from start to finish.

Let's talk flavor and texture.

The sauce is sweet from the pineapple and brown sugar, slightly smoky from the BBQ sauce, and balanced with a savory splash of soy sauce. The chicken thighs become incredibly tender while the carrots soften just enough to keep a little bite. The peppers add freshness and color, while the pineapple stays juicy and brings bright pops of tropical flavor throughout every serving.

What you'll need.

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This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe uses simple ingredients that work together to create a colorful, flavor-packed dinner.

• Pineapple juice: Reserved from the canned pineapple to help create the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce as it cooks.
• BBQ sauce: Hickory smoked brown sugar BBQ sauce adds smoky flavor, but Hawaiian BBQ sauce is another great option.
• Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and balances the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Gives the sauce extra richness and sweetness.
• Red onion: Becomes mellow and slightly sweet as it cooks.
• Baby cut carrots: Add color, texture, and natural sweetness.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Stay tender and juicy in the slow cooker. Green bell pepper: Adds freshness and a little crunch.
• Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant color.
• Canned pineapple chunks: The tropical star of this Hawaiian slow cooker chicken recipe.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

How to make sweet Hawaiian chicken in crockpot.

Here's an overview on how to make this recipe. See the recipe card below for complete instructions. Enjoy!

1. Layer the onions, carrots, chicken thighs, bell peppers, and pineapple into the slow cooker.
2. Pour the prepared pineapple BBQ sauce evenly over everything.
3. Cover and cook on low until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F and the vegetables are tender.
4. Taste the sauce, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve with plenty of sauce spooned over the chicken and vegetables.

Make it your way.

Sweet Hawaiian chicken in crockpot can easily be customized with a few simple swaps.

• Swap the hickory BBQ sauce for Hawaiian BBQ sauce for a slightly sweeter, island-inspired flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
• Use crushed pineapple instead of chunks and shred the chicken for pulled Hawaiian chicken sandwiches.
• Toss in yellow or orange bell peppers instead of red or green.
• Season with lemon pepper to add acidity; which is often used in Hawaiian dishes.
• Use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.

How to serve it.

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Crock pot sweet Hawaiian chicken is even better with a few simple sides that soak up all that delicious sauce.

• Spoon it over steamed white or brown rice.
• Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds.
• Pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas for an extra serving of vegetables.
• Serve with Hawaiian rolls to mop up the extra sauce.
• Use leftovers for rice bowls or stuffed baked potatoes the next day.

Kori's tips.

• Use a meat thermometer - Chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Layer the vegetables first - Keeping the carrots and onions underneath helps them cook evenly while the chicken stays nice and tender.
• Taste before serving - Depending on your BBQ sauce, you may want an extra splash of soy sauce or a little more BBQ sauce to balance the flavors.
• Try the pulled chicken version - Use crushed pineapple and shred the chicken for delicious sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls.

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