Dinner

Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

BySana Jeannette January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

This Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with tangy pineapple and smoky barbecue sauce. Perfect for busy days, it delivers a tropical twist on classic comfort food with minimal effort.

A white plate holds a colorful dish with four main parts arranged separately. On the left side, there is a light beige layer of cooked rice with a fluffy, grainy texture, sprinkled with black pepper. Next to the rice is a middle layer of chunky, cooked chicken pieces coated in a thick, reddish-orange sauce, garnished with small green cilantro leaves. To the bottom left, there are three bright green slices of avocado, smooth and fresh-looking. Beside the avocado, two lime wedges with shiny skin and juicy interior sit near the plate's edge. On the right side of the plate, three long, crisp, bright green romaine lettuce leaves with visible veins and wavy edges are placed. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1.5 cups barbecue sauce

15 ounces canned crushed pineapple

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the chicken into approximately 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Transfer the diced chicken to the slow cooker. Add the crushed pineapple and barbecue sauce, then stir to combine evenly.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low heat for 3.5 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours. If using frozen diced chicken, add an extra 30 to 45 minutes to cook time. The chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C), be fork tender, and the sauce should be simmering and thickened slightly.

Step 4: Carefully open the lid and spoon the chicken mixture onto plates. Optionally, garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
Serve over steamed rice or alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned for a brighter flavor and more texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken further when chilled; add a splash of water or pineapple juice when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a black spoon holding pieces of chunky, cooked chicken soaked in thick, smooth orange-red sauce. The chicken pieces are medium-sized, with a light golden-brown color and tender texture visible. The spoon is dipped into a pot filled with more of the same thick sauce, covering additional pieces of chicken in a rich, glossy orange-red color. The edge of the pot is visible with a matte dark gray surface, and the background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can simmer the ingredients in a large saucepan over low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 108 reviews

This Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is a deliciously easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful combination of barbecue sauce and crushed pineapple. Perfect for a fuss-free dinner, this dish brings a sweet and tangy tropical twist to your weeknight meals.

Author: Sana

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3.5 to 4 hours on low or 2 to 2.5 hours on high
Total Time: 4 to 4.2 hours

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking

Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes

Sauce

1.5 cups barbecue sauce
15 ounces canned crushed pineapple

Garnish (optional)

Lime wedges

Fresh cilantro

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into approximately 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Place the diced chicken into the slow cooker. Add the canned crushed pineapple (with juice) and barbecue sauce, then stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 3.5 to 4 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 2.5 hours. If using frozen diced chicken, add an additional 30 to 45 minutes to the cooking time. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), is fork tender, and the sauce is simmering and slightly thickened.
Serve: Carefully remove the lid, spoon the sweet Hawaiian chicken onto plates, and garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, uncover the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This dish pairs well with white rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Always ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Hawaiian chicken, crock pot recipe, sweet pineapple chicken, barbecue chicken

Sana Jeannette

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