Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful blend of tender chicken, sweet pineapple juice, and savory soy sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal prep and only four ingredients, this dish is an easy, family-friendly meal that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or veggies!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~6–8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful blend of tender chicken, sweet pineapple juice, and savory soy sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal prep and only four ingredients, this dish is an easy, family-friendly meal that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or veggies!
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce until fully combined.
2. Assemble in the Crockpot:
- Place the chicken tenderloins in the crockpot.
- Pour the pineapple-soy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
3. Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or on HIGH for 3–4 hours).
- The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or extra pineapple chunks.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add 1–2 tbsp Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Thicker Sauce: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Extra Tropical Flavor: Replace half of the pineapple juice with coconut milk for a creamy twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless Preparation: Simply combine the ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic, freeing up your time for other activities.
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Flavorful and Tender: The slow-cooking process ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.
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Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even as a filling for sandwiches and tacos.
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Family-Friendly: The harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
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2 pounds (0.9 kg) chicken tenderloin chunks
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1 cup pineapple juice
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½ cup brown sugar
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⅓ cup soy sauce
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
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Assemble in Crockpot:
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Place the chicken tenderloin chunks into the crockpot.
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Pour the pineapple-soy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
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Cook:
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Cover the crockpot with its lid.
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Set to cook on low for 6–8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
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Serve:
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Once cooked, check the chicken for tenderness; it should easily shred with a fork.
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Serve the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over rice or noodles, garnished with your choice of fresh herbs or sesame seeds.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 6 servings
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 6–8 hours on low setting
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Total Time: 6 hours and 10 minutes to 8 hours and 10 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a spicy version.
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Teriyaki Twist:
- Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a tablespoon of grated ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor.
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Coconut Infusion:
- Substitute half of the pineapple juice with coconut milk to introduce a creamy, tropical element.
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Vegetable Medley:
- Include chopped bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to add color and nutrition to the dish.
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Pineapple Chunks:
- Add canned pineapple chunks (drained) into the crockpot for added texture and bursts of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage:
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Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature.
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Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
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Freezing:
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Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
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Label with the date and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
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Reheating:
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Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
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Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
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To maintain moisture, add a splash of water or chicken broth during reheating if necessary.
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FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken remains tender.
2. Is it possible to cook this on a high setting for a shorter time?
Yes, you can cook on high for 3–4 hours, but cooking on low for a longer period yields more tender and flavorful results.
3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely, adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.
4. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the crockpot in the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
5. Is there a substitute for pineapple juice?
While pineapple juice provides a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with orange juice or apple juice for a different yet pleasant taste.
6. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or diced jalapeños can introduce a spicy element to the dish.
7. What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh green salad complement the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken nicely.
8. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking to promote even cooking and food safety.
9. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cooking on low heat and ensuring the chicken is adequately covered with sauce will help keep it moist. Avoid overcooking.
