Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Craving a simple, flavor-packed dinner? Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is your new go-to! Sweet, tangy, and smokey, it’s the perfect weeknight meal made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

With just three ingredients, Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken delivers juicy bites of chicken soaked in pineapple sweetness and barbecue zest, making it a family favorite that’s healthy, hearty, and satisfying.

Ingredients That Make Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Shine

• Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless, these are the perfect canvas to soak up all the tropical and smokey flavors.
• Barbecue sauce – Brings bold smokey sweetness, adding rich depth and tangy notes to balance the dish beautifully.
• Canned crushed pineapple – Juicy and vibrant, it infuses the chicken with natural sweetness and a fresh island twist.

How to Make This Easy Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Toss the chicken into the slow cooker, then pour in the barbecue sauce and crushed pineapple. Give everything a good stir so the flavors meld together.

Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 3.5–4 hours or high for 2–2.5 hours. If you’re using frozen chicken, plan on adding an extra 30–45 minutes. Once done, the chicken should be fork-tender and cooked through at 165°F, with the sauce deliciously thickened.

Carefully lift the lid, give everything a final stir, and plate up this tropical goodness. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if you want to add a vibrant, zesty pop.

Recipe Tips & Easy Variations for Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

For the juiciest results, chicken thighs can easily be swapped for chicken breasts; just add about 20 extra minutes of cooking time. Want even more texture and flavor? Toss in diced bell peppers or red onions before cooking for a colorful, veggie-packed meal.

If you’re out of canned pineapple, fresh or frozen pineapple chunks work just as well and give the dish a slightly different texture. Prefer a thicker sauce? Remove the lid for the last 20 minutes of cooking to let it simmer down more.

You can even make this in an Instant Pot! Just combine all the ingredients, set to High Pressure for 8 minutes (12 if using frozen chicken), and do a natural pressure release before serving.

How to Store Leftovers of Your Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

To keep this meal fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors will deepen over time, making the dish even more delicious the next day!

For longer storage, let the chicken cool completely, then pack it into a freezer-safe container or bag. Lay flat in the freezer and enjoy within six months for the best flavor. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

A delightfully simple dish requiring only three ingredients and a slow cooker, this Sweet Hawaiian Chicken pairs the bright sweetness of pineapple with the smoky depth of barbecue sauce for a vibrant, healthy meal.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups barbecue sauce
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 15 ounces crushed pineapple canned

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place the diced chicken into the crock pot. Add the crushed pineapple along with the barbecue sauce directly over the chicken, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low, cooking for 3.5 to 4 hours, or to high for 2 to 2.5 hours. If utilizing frozen diced chicken, extend the cooking time by 30–45 minutes. Upon completion, ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to be pulled apart with a fork, while the sauce should be bubbling and slightly thickened. Remove the lid carefully and serve the chicken and sauce spooned over your desired side. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions
Prefer fresh produce? Swap canned pineapple for diced fresh or frozen pineapple.
No chicken breasts? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent alternative; extend cooking by about 20 minutes.
Desire extra vegetables? Incorporate a diced bell pepper or red onion for added color and flavor.

Instant Pot Instructions
Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot inner pot without adding extra liquid. Close the lid and set to High Pressure for 8 minutes. For frozen diced chicken, adjust the cook time to 12 minutes. Allow for a full Natural Pressure Release (NPR) before opening the lid carefully. Stir thoroughly and serve hot.

Storage Tips
Leftovers should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days following USDA guidelines.
To freeze, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze flat and consume within 6 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.