Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

The Juiciest Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Juicy sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken brings tropical sunshine right to your dinner table.

Succulent meat packed with vibrant flavors promises an instant family favorite.

Pacific island inspiration transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal everyone will adore.

Tender chunks of protein swimming in a tangy-sweet sauce create instant comfort.

Minimal prep means maximum deliciousness with this incredibly simple recipe.

Weekend meal planning just got way more exciting with these incredible flavor combinations.

Come discover how effortlessly you can transport your taste buds to a Hawaiian paradise.

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken That’s Sweet and Easy

  • Quick Flavor Explosion: By searing chicken first and using bold ingredients like artichokes, olives, and wine, the dish delivers complex Mediterranean-inspired flavors in just 30 minutes of total preparation.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Cooking everything in a single skillet reduces cleanup time and allows ingredients to build rich, layered taste profiles, making this meal both practical and delicious for families or solo diners.
  • Versatile Serving Options: The recipe's flexible nature lets you pair the chicken with multiple side dishes like rice, quinoa, or salad, ensuring a satisfying meal that adapts to different preferences and dietary needs.

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Sweet and Tangy Ingredients

Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender meat with rich flavor, bone-in and skin-on recommended for maximum taste and moisture.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with searing and adds subtle richness to the dish.
  • Dry White Wine, Chicken Broth: Provides depth of flavor and helps create a delicious cooking liquid.
  • Lemon Slices: Adds bright, citrusy notes and helps tenderize the chicken.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Onion, Garlic: Builds foundational savory flavor base for the dish.
  • Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that brings earthy and slightly peppery undertones.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal notes.
Accent Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance overall taste.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
  • Artichokes, Olives: Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that add complexity and texture to the dish.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Grab your chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

In a skillet, pour olive oil and warm it up over medium-high heat.

Brown the chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful golden color, about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Transfer the seared chicken to the crockpot.

Step 3: Create Delicious Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Ketchup
  • Garlic
  • Ginger

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Combine and Slow Cook

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.

Make sure each piece gets nicely coated.

Cover and cook on low setting for 6-7 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Final Touch

Once cooking is complete, gently shred the chicken using two forks.

Stir the chicken back into the sauce to absorb all those incredible flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken over steamed rice.

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flair.

Enjoy your tropical-inspired meal!

Crockpot Chicken Tips with Sweet Hawaiian Flair

  • Pat chicken thighs completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect crispy golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
  • If avoiding alcohol, replace dry white wine with extra chicken broth or even pineapple juice for added tropical sweetness.
  • Cook chicken on low heat to prevent toughening, ensuring juicy and melt-in-your-mouth meat that stays incredibly succulent.
  • Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow spices and juices to redistribute, intensifying the overall taste profile.
  • Chop onions and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce total preparation time.

Store Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place chicken pieces separately from sauce to maintain texture.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Properly stored chicken will stay delicious for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
  • Warm chicken over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and cover the pan to restore moisture and preserve tenderness.
  • Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of broth to keep the meat juicy and prevent rubbery texture.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Serving Ideas

  • Tropical Cocktail Companion: Craft a vibrant piña colada with fresh pineapple juice, white rum, and coconut cream to echo the sweet Hawaiian flavors of the chicken dish.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slightly sweet undertones that complement the dish's tropical and tangy profile, balancing the richness of the chicken.
  • Side Dish Harmony: Prepare coconut rice or pineapple-infused quinoa to enhance the Hawaiian-inspired theme, creating a cohesive and flavorful meal experience that highlights the chicken's unique taste.
  • Refreshing Palate Cleanser: Create a light cucumber and mint salsa as a side, providing a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich and sweet chicken, adding brightness and texture to the overall dining experience.

Crockpot Chicken in Hawaiian-Inspired Versions

  • Gluten-Free Hawaiian Feast: Replace white wine with gluten-free chicken broth and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Ensure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Pineapple-Free Low-Carb Option: Swap pineapple chunks with diced bell peppers for similar texture and sweetness while reducing carbohydrate content. Use cauliflower rice as a side dish for lower-carb serving.
  • Vegetarian Tropical Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, maintaining Hawaiian-inspired marinade and cooking method. Press tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture for better texture absorption.
  • Instant Pot Express Version: Transfer all ingredients to pressure cooker instead of skillet, reducing total cooking time to 15 minutes. Use manual high-pressure setting with quick release for faster preparation.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out faster. Cook them carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, which can add a mild heat. You can easily adjust or omit them to control the spice level according to your preference.

  • Do I need a special type of white wine?

Any dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken broth for similar depth of flavor.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check, or ensure the meat is no longer pink and juices run clear.

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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Tropical paradise meets comfort in this sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken, blending island-inspired flavors with effortless slow cooking. Succulent chicken infused with pineapple and ginger promises a delightful meal that transports you to Hawaiian shores with minimal preparation.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup mixed olives (green and black)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken thighs by generously seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor absorption.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for perfect golden-brown searing.
  3. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook an additional 3 minutes, then transfer to a temporary holding plate.
  5. In the same skillet, introduce sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
  6. Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, skillfully scraping accumulated flavor-packed browned bits from the skillet bottom.
  7. Incorporate chicken broth, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, artichokes, olives, and delicate lemon slices into the mixture.
  8. Gently return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, positioning them skin-side up for optimal cooking.
  9. Cover and allow the dish to simmer for 20 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches perfect tenderness and absorbs surrounding flavors.
  10. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley across the top, creating a vibrant garnish that adds both color and freshness.
  11. Serve immediately alongside complementary sides like fluffy rice, hearty quinoa, or a crisp green salad.

Notes

  • Toast chicken skin before slow cooking to lock in extra flavor and create a crispy exterior that adds delightful texture.
  • Reduce wine or broth briefly to concentrate flavors and enhance the overall depth of the dish’s taste profile.
  • Consider using boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking and easier serving if you prefer less prep work.
  • Swap pineapple juice with orange juice for a slightly different tropical twist while maintaining the sweet Hawaiian essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 415
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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