When life gets busy, the last thing you want to worry about is spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m so excited to share this incredibly easy and comforting recipe for Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken! It’s the kind of dish that will transport you to the tropics with its sweet, tangy flavors, all while being a total breeze to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a mouthwatering, high-protein meal that’s perfect for a quick family dinner, meal prep, or even a cozy weeknight comfort food feast.
Trust me, you’re going to love how simple and delicious this recipe is. Whether you’re craving something savory yet sweet, or you’re just in need of a healthy, low-calorie chicken meal prep, this dish checks all the boxes. And, let’s not forget, it’s all made in one pot, making clean-up a total breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hawaiian chicken slow cooker recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a delicious easy weeknight dinner that requires little effort but packs a big punch in the flavor department. The chicken comes out incredibly tender, infused with a savory pineapple sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. You’ll love how the pineapple and soy sauce complement each other so beautifully, while the garlic and ginger add just the right amount of depth.
But here’s the kicker: it’s made in the slow cooker, so you can toss everything in and let the magic happen. It’s budget-friendly, kid-friendly, and family-friendly. The best part? It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have the time or energy to cook a gourmet meal but still want something satisfying. If you’re looking for high-protein, low-fat meals that are easy to prepare, you’ve just found a winner!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What makes this Hawaiian chicken slow cooker recipe so special is just how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice for a classic dish, or make it even more exciting by pairing it with noodles, cauliflower rice, or even a fresh side salad. The sauce itself is the star—sweet and savory, with hints of garlic and ginger to make your taste buds dance.
Another bonus? This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Whether you want to add a little spice with sriracha or take it in a tropical twist direction with mango chunks or coconut milk, you can easily customize it to suit your cravings. And if you’re trying to keep things healthy, you can reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey for a lighter version. It’s a great option if you’re following a keto meal plan or need healthy comfort food on the go!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy high-protein meal:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Pineapple chunks (with juice)
- Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- Brown sugar
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh or ground ginger
- Red bell pepper (sliced)
- Onion (sliced)
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
You’ll find all of these ingredients easy to grab from your local grocery store. If you’re looking for low-fat meal delivery options, you can even consider pre-made options for some of these ingredients. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to make this dish at home.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this delicious Hawaiian chicken:
- Place your chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken thighs are great because they stay juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts will work too if you’re looking for a leaner option.
- In a bowl, mix together your pineapple chunks (don’t forget the juice!), soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour this sweet and savory sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add your sliced red bell pepper and onion on top. These veggies will soften as they cook, adding more flavor and texture to the dish.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before the end of cooking. This will help give the sauce that perfect, glossy texture.
- Once done, shred or slice the chicken, return it to the sauce, and stir to coat. Serve the chicken over rice, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
And that’s it! How easy was that? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you!
Tips for Best Results
- Use bone-in chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken for extra flavor, feel free to use that. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may take a bit longer to cook.
- Slow and steady wins the race: For the best results, cook this on the low setting for 6-7 hours. The chicken will come out melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the flavors will have time to develop fully.
- Make it spicier: If you love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also toss in some jalapeños or chili peppers for an extra kick.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies to the slow cooker. Carrots, snap peas, and broccoli are great options that add both flavor and nutrients.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to make substitutions or try different variations:
- Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts are perfect. For more flavor and juiciness, go for chicken thighs.
- Pineapple: If fresh pineapple is in season, go ahead and use that instead of canned. Just chop it into chunks and add the juice as well.
- Soy Sauce: If you’re following a keto meal plan, use tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos for a sweeter, soy-free alternative.
- Sweetener: Instead of brown sugar, you can use honey or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lighter version of this dish.
- Veggies: Mix in other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes. They’ll cook up perfectly in the slow cooker!
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian chicken slow cooker is so versatile, and there are plenty of delicious sides you can pair it with. Here are some ideas:
- Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
- If you’re going low-carb, pair it with zucchini noodles or a fresh green salad.
- For a heartier meal, serve it with noodles or mashed potatoes.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drink: Pair your Hawaiian chicken with a refreshing pineapple juice, a coconut water, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Side: Serve with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crispy baked fries for a bit of extra comfort.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to store and reheat your Hawaiian chicken:
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they sit!
- Reheat: To reheat, simply microwave it on medium power in 30-second intervals until it’s heated through. If you’re reheating on the stove, heat it gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
You can easily prep this recipe ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or if you want to freeze it for later.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce and chicken the night before and store it in the slow cooker insert (refrigerated). In the morning, just set it to cook, and you’ll have a hot meal ready in no time.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked Hawaiian chicken for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up the next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Don’t overload the slow cooker with too many ingredients. There needs to be enough space for the sauce to circulate and cook the chicken properly.
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: If you want a thicker sauce, don’t forget to add the cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking. It really makes a difference!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but for best results, it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Use a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a thicker, more luscious sauce.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker (or Crockpot)
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Serving Dish
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Hawaiian Chicken Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can pineapple chunks, with juice (20 oz)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup cooked rice (for serving)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour this sauce over the chicken.
- Add chopped bell peppers to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Optional: In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Shred or slice the chicken, then return it to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.