Name: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Easy Dinners
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice); 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup soy sauce; ⅓ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice; 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry); Salt & pepper to taste; Optional: chopped green onions & sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a dinner that’s easy to prep, full of flavor, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing? This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is just the ticket. It’s one of those meals that checks all the boxes: sweet, savory, colorful, and comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish delivers big tropical flavor without a lot of fuss.

Inspired by island-style cooking, this recipe combines tender chunks of chicken with juicy pineapple, bell peppers, and a sticky-sweet soy garlic sauce. It’s one of those meals where every bite hits with sweet, salty, tangy, and just a little zip from the vinegar. Serve it over rice or noodles for a hearty, feel-good dinner the whole family will love.

Even though this dish uses simple ingredients, the slow simmer in the crockpot lets all the flavors meld together into a glossy, crave-worthy sauce that clings to every bite of chicken and veggie. The best part? It’s adaptable — you can switch up the peppers, use canned or fresh pineapple, and even spice it up with a dash of chili flakes if you like heat.

Let’s get started with the ingredients and the first few easy steps.

Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: chopped green onions & sesame seeds for garnish

STEPS: Sear the Chicken and Sauté the Veggies

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a little salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through — about 6 to 7 minutes. This gives the chicken a nice sear before it goes into the crockpot.

Step 2: Add Peppers and Garlic

Add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the peppers start to soften and the garlic is fragrant.

Simmer, Thicken, and Finish This Sweet & Savory Favorite

Now that the chicken is cooked and your bell peppers are starting to soften, it’s time to bring in the sweet and savory flavor that gives this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken its name. This part of the recipe is where everything comes together — a simple sauce, a quick simmer, and a final toss with pineapple for that signature island twist.

Even though the original title mentions the crockpot, this version comes together entirely on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those times when you want all the rich, slow-cooked flavor, but don’t have hours to wait.

STEPS: Mix the Sauce and Simmer

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ¼ cup of the reserved pineapple juice, and rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar. This creates a sweet, salty, tangy sauce that’s the heart of the dish.

Step 4: Pour in the Sauce

Pour the sauce over the chicken and peppers in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce start to bubble and slightly reduce.

STEPS: Thicken and Add Pineapple

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir until smooth, then pour it into the skillet while stirring constantly. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency that clings to the chicken and veggies.

Step 6: Add the Pineapple

Stir in the drained pineapple chunks and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until heated through. This is what gives the dish that bright, tropical sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce perfectly.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken FAQs and Final Touches

By now, your kitchen smells amazing, the sauce is thick and glossy, and the pineapple is warm and sweet. All that’s left is to dish up your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken and add those finishing touches that take it over the top. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, noodles, or even tucked into lettuce wraps, this is one meal that brings serious flavor without serious effort.

Before we wrap up, here are a few quick answers to common questions and tips to help you customize or store your leftovers like a pro.

1. Can I make this in an actual crockpot?

Yes! Just skip the stovetop cooking and add the raw chicken, garlic, peppers, pineapple, soy sauce, sugar, juice, and vinegar directly into the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 15–20 minutes until thickened.

2. What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Serve it over white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. It also makes a great filling for lettuce wraps or a fun twist on tacos.

3. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh pineapple, you can substitute orange juice or apple juice in place of the reserved canned juice.

4. How long does it keep in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

5. Can I freeze it?

Yes. Let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Conclusion: Dinner That Feels Like a Mini Getaway

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken brings together everything you want in a weeknight meal — bold flavor, easy prep, and simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re dreaming of sunshine or just need a dinner the whole family will actually look forward to, this dish delivers every time.

Serve it hot, top it with green onions or sesame seeds, and don’t be surprised when it disappears fast. And if you try a twist — maybe add a little heat with chili flakes or use teriyaki sauce for a flavor switch — drop a comment and let us know how it turned out!