Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe combining sweet pineapple and savory chicken thighs for a juicy, tender, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained (or about 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the sugar dissolves mostly.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, then pour the pineapple sauce evenly over the top, making sure the chicken is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- About 15 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Pour it into the crockpot, stir gently, and cook uncovered on high for those last 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the sauce adhere better. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain temperature and cooking time. Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Fresh pineapple adds brighter flavor than canned. Thicken sauce at the end with cornstarch slurry for a sticky glaze. Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crockpot chicken, Hawaiian chicken, pineapple chicken, easy weeknight dinner, sweet and savory chicken