A simple slow-cooker chicken with sweet pineapple and BBQ flavor.
introduction
This Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is easy and tasty. You can set the slow cooker and come back to a sweet, savory meal. It pairs well with rice or a simple salad. Try it when you want a low-effort weeknight dinner or a dish for guests. For another easy slow-cooker meal idea, see the crockpot chicken spaghetti recipe.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it uses few ingredients and cooks itself. The pineapple gives sweetness and the soy sauce adds depth. It is great for busy days and for feeding a small family. It also makes good leftovers for lunches. 
You can use the crock pot for many simple dinners like baked chicken with potatoes and green beans if you want more ideas.
how to make Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
Follow the steps below. This is simple and clear. For a crunchy twist on chicken, you can also try flavors from the BBQ potato chip chicken tenders recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken in the sauce before serving.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
how to serve Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
Serve the shredded chicken over hot cooked rice. Add chopped green onions on top. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad. The sauce soaks into the rice and makes each bite sweet and savory.
how to store Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
Let the chicken cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
tips to make Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
- Use fresh or canned pineapple chunks. Both work well.
- Trim extra fat from the chicken for a cleaner sauce.
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, add to the sauce, and cook on high until thickened.
- For more flavor, brown the chicken quickly in a pan before adding to the crock pot.
- For meal ideas using shredded chicken, try the chipotle ranch chicken burrito idea.
variation (if any)
- Add bell peppers or sliced onions to the crock pot for extra veggies.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Swap barbecue sauce for teriyaki sauce for a different sweet-salty flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, but check the internal temperature to be sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I skip the brown sugar?
A: You can reduce or skip it, but the dish will be less sweet. Pineapple still adds natural sweetness.
Q: How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
A: Cook on low and do not overcook. Shredding the chicken in the sauce helps keep it moist.
Q: Can I make this in a pot on the stove?
A: Yes. Simmer on low, covered, until the chicken is cooked and tender, about 25-35 minutes depending on size.
Conclusion
For the original recipe and more tips, you can view the full recipe page at Cooking With Janica.
Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken in the sauce before serving.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.