If you’ve been craving a tropical twist on a classic comfort food, look no further than this vibrant Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe. Juicy chicken cubes bathed in a luscious sauce of pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce come together effortlessly in the slow cooker, infusing your kitchen with irresistible island aromas. This dish perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it an all-time favorite for family dinners or casual get-togethers. The best part? It requires minimal fuss while promising maximum flavor, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this delightful Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is a breeze because it uses straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s tenderizing the chicken, adding a sweet tang from the pineapple, or bringing a deep umami character through soy sauce. Having these on hand sets you up for a flavorful success.
- 2 lbs. chicken (cubed): The star protein that soaks up all the delicious sauce for tender, juicy bites.
- 1/3 cup cornstarch: Helps create a silky coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce nicely.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the sweet elements beautifully.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and locking in moisture before slow cooking.
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar: Brings rich caramel notes that deepen the tropical sweetness.
- 1 cup pineapple juice: The secret ingredient that lends bright acidity and fruity flair.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce or Tamari (gluten free): Introduces savory depth and saltiness to contrast the sugar’s sweetness.
- ½ cup pineapple (crushed): Adds texture and bursts of fresh pineapple flavor for authenticity.
How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by combining the cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Toss in the cubed chicken and shake the bag vigorously until each piece is evenly coated in the mixture. This coating is essential for sealing in moisture and helping the sauce cling to every bite, creating a luscious texture once cooked.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet and add the coated chicken cubes. Sear them for about 7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides. This step is crucial because it jumps-starts the caramelization process, adding depth and complexity to your Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is searing, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce (or Tamari), and crushed pineapple in a small bowl. This sweet and savory sauce is the heart of the dish, combining tropical brightness with comforting richness in every spoonful.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Layer half of the sauce in the slow cooker first, then add the seared chicken, and pour the remaining sauce on top. Set your Crockpot to Low and let the magic happen for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
How to Serve Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, try garnishing with freshly chopped green onions for a bit of crunch and color. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also adds a delightful nutty touch that complements the dish’s tropical vibes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up that incredible sauce. For a fresh contrast, a crisp side salad or some roasted vegetables bring vibrant texture and balance out the sweetness without competing against it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe over a bed of coconut rice for a festive flair that transports you straight to the islands. You could also stuff the slow-cooked chicken into warm pita pockets or wrap it in tortillas for a fun twist that turns dinner into a handheld delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an ideal quick lunch or dinner for busy days following your feast.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for the long haul, freezing is a fantastic option. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed throughout. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore any thickness lost during storage, keeping your Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe as delightful as the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually excellent for this Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe because they tend to stay juicier during slow cooking, adding even more richness to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten free?
It can easily be gluten free by choosing Tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, which often contains wheat. Just double-check your other ingredients to be sure.
How sweet is this dish? Can I adjust the sweetness?
This recipe offers a pleasant balance of sweet and savory, but you can reduce the brown sugar if you prefer it less sweet or add a little extra pineapple juice for more tang.
Can I prepare this recipe without searing the chicken first?
You can skip searing if short on time, but the extra step really enhances flavor and texture, making your Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe stand out even more.
What are some good toppings to add for extra flavor?
Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños for heat, or a squeeze of lime juice all add wonderful layers of flavor and freshness to this tropical dish.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s a perfect blend of ease and exceptional flavor, making any meal feel like a mini vacation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving something comforting and exotic, this recipe is sure to become a beloved go-to. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious, tender chicken dish slow-cooked with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. Coated in cornstarch and lightly seared before slow cooking, the chicken becomes perfectly juicy and infused with tropical flavors, making it an ideal meal to serve over rice or quinoa.
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 2 lbs. chicken, cubed
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
Sauce
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup soy sauce or Tamari (gluten free)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: In a gallon-size Ziploc bag, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss well until each piece is fully coated with the mixture.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken cubes and sear them for about 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce or Tamari, and crushed pineapple until well combined.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Pour half of the sauce mixture into the slow cooker. Add the seared chicken on top, then pour the remaining sauce over the chicken. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors are melded.
- Serve: This Hawaiian chicken is great served over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Using Tamari instead of soy sauce makes this recipe gluten-free.
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking helps lock in juices and adds depth of flavor.
- Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker; check chicken for doneness after 4 hours.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Add diced bell peppers or onions in the slow cooker for extra veggies and flavor.
