Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple
Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple is a better-than-takeout meal that’s ready when you are. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to keeping it from drying out. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry Recipe and Easy Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip for Game Day.
Why This Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple Is Pure Comfort
- Tender, juicy chicken in every bite
- Sweet and tangy pineapple sauce
- Better than takeout, ready when you are
- Easy cleanup with just one pot
What You'll Need for Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Optional: Green onions, chopped
- Optional: Sesame seeds
- Optional: Cilantro, chopped
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Crockpot — Cooks chicken to perfection while you're away → See on Amazon
- Meat thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to a safe temperature → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over chicken.
- Step 3: Add pineapple chunks to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from crockpot and shred. Return to crockpot and mix with sauce. Serve over rice and garnish with optional toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple
- : For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. It can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- : For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- : Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Freezing Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a faster cooking time, cut the chicken into smaller pieces before adding to the crockpot.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the chicken with pork tenderloin or beef stew meat.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Want to level up this recipe?
Sharp kitchen knife — Makes shredding the chicken a breeze → Check price on Amazon
Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Toppings
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over chicken.
- Step 3: Add pineapple chunks to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from crockpot and shred. Return to crockpot and mix with sauce. Serve over rice and garnish with optional toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a faster cooking time, cut the chicken into smaller pieces before adding to the crockpot.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the chicken with pork tenderloin or beef stew meat.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple FAQs
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Yes, cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
This recipe is great served over rice, with a side of steamed vegetables, or with a green salad.
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Increase cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
