When it comes to easy dinners, Chicken Crockpot Recipes are a lifesaver, especially when you’re running around trying to keep everything together. This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe is one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights. It’s a simple and satisfying dish loaded with flavor, making it perfect if you’re looking for a spin on classic Grandma’s Recipes.
Using chicken tenderloins in the crockpot slow cooker keeps the chicken incredibly juicy and tender—just like those melt-in-your-mouth Hawaiian Chicken Bites you might find on a tropical vacation. And the combination of sweet pineapple, sticky glaze, and savory soy sauce makes it a standout in the world of chicken dishes recipes.

Whether you’re craving a Thai Chicken Pineapple Stir Fry, exploring new Hawaiian dishes, or just want something easy and delicious, this recipe has you covered. It’s like a warm hug from a Hawaiian Crockpot meal, perfect for family dinners or lazy Sundays. Plus, who can resist the tropical vibes of a pineapple chicken glaze?
So, grab your ingredients and let’s make some Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you call it Crockpot Chicken Tenderloins, Sticky Chicken Pineapple Recipes, or just plain delicious, this dish is bound to become a new favorite. 🍍
What You’ll Need

This recipe is really forgiving. If you don’t have everything, no stress—there’s always room to adjust. Here’s the basics:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts (I like thighs because they stay juicier, but breasts work if that’s what you’ve got.)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (Fresh is fancy, but canned works great and saves time.)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (You can use the juice from the can if you’re using canned pineapple.)
- ½ cup soy sauce (Low-sodium is better so it’s not too salty.)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (Packed down, because that’s how we roll.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Or the pre-minced stuff in a jar. No judgment!)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (If you don’t have fresh, ½ teaspoon ground ginger works.)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (This adds nice color and crunch, but it’s optional.)
- Green onion, chopped (For garnish—totally optional but makes it look pretty.)
- Cooked rice or noodles (To serve it on. The sauce soaks in, and it’s chef’s kiss.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Set Up Your Crockpot
Before you do anything, spray the inside of your crockpot with a little cooking spray. Trust me, this will save you from scrubbing later.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken

Put your chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Lay it flat so it cooks evenly.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Sprinkle the garlic and ginger over the chicken. Then toss in your pineapple chunks and red bell pepper slices.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. It smells amazing already, doesn’t it? Pour that over everything in the crockpot.
Step 5: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. If your house is anything like mine, you’ll have people wandering into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once it’s done, give everything a good stir to coat it in the sauce. Spoon the chicken, pineapple, and peppers over a bed of rice or noodles. If you’ve got green onions, sprinkle some on top. It makes you look fancy—even if you’re in your PJ’s.
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s Low Effort. Seriously, you can throw it together in less than 10 minutes.
- Big Flavors. The combo of sweet pineapple and salty soy sauce is like a tropical party in your mouth.
- Family Approved. My kids actually eat this without complaining, and that’s saying something.
- Great Leftovers. If you have any left (big if), it reheats like a dream.
The best part of this recipe? It gives you back your time. Instead of stressing about dinner, you can focus on everything else—like helping with homework, sneaking in a quick nap, or just sitting down for a second.
Give this a try on your next busy day. It’s a little taste of Hawaii, right from your crockpot, and trust me, your future self will thank you. 🌴🍍
FAQs: Crockpot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but tenderloins or thighs tend to stay juicier in the crockpot. If you’re using breasts, keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you might need to add an extra 30–60 minutes of cooking time on low. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned pineapple?
Yes! Fresh pineapple works great. If you’re using fresh, add about ½ cup of water or additional juice since canned pineapple usually comes with liquid.
4. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
5. What sides go well with Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white or jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with sautéed veggies or a simple side salad.
6. Can I thicken the sauce?
Yes! If you’d like a thicker glaze, remove the chicken after cooking, and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce. Let it simmer in the crockpot until thickened.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just dump everything into the crockpot and start cooking.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Check that your other ingredients, like pineapple, don’t have added gluten.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just ensure your crockpot is large enough to hold the additional ingredients without overflowing. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup soy sauce low sodium
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced optional
- Green onion, chopped optional garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
Prepare Crockpot:
- Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
Layer Ingredients:
- Place chicken tenderloins at the bottom of the crockpot. Add garlic, ginger, pineapple chunks, and optional bell pepper on top.
Make Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Serve:
- Stir gently, then serve chicken, pineapple, and sauce over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onion if desired.
Notes
- Swap chicken tenderloins with thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add red chili flakes if you like a little heat!
- Leftovers are even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
Whether you’re a fan of chicken tenderloins crockpot recipes, love trying new Hawaiian dishes, or are just looking to add more variety to your collection of crockpot dishes, this recipe fits right in. It’s reminiscent of Grandma’s recipes, but with a fresh, island-inspired vibe. Plus, the simple ingredients make it one of those crockpot recipes slow cooker meals you can throw together in minutes.
Check out more crockpot recipes:
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Barbecue Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
From chicken tenders in crockpot slow cooker to tender bites of Hawaiian chicken in crockpot, this dish works for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or meal prepping for the week. Pair it with rice, noodles, or even serve it as Hawaiian chicken bites for a fun appetizer.
So, grab your crockpot, a can of pineapple, and a few pantry staples, and give this recipe a go. Whether you’re in the mood for sticky chicken pineapple recipes, a twist on Thai chicken pineapple stir fry, or just some good old sweet Hawaiian chicken, this dish will transport you straight to the islands—no passport required. 🍍
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