Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

You’re going to absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes that fills your home with the sweetest aromas and makes everyone at the table smile. What makes it so special? The perfect balance of tangy pineapple, sweet BBQ sauce, and a gentle kick of spice, all slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection—plus, it’s hands-off cooking which frees you up for other things!

I love this recipe because it’s so versatile and reliable. Whether you’re prepping a busy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd at a weekend get-together, this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe hits the spot every time. You’ll find it super easy to throw together, and the slow cooker does all the hard work while you relax or tackle other tasks.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together to create that perfect sweet-and-savory Hawaiian flavor. Make sure you get good quality canned pineapple juice—it’s the secret to authentic taste—and fresh peppers for crunch and color.

• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand; it adds depth and smoky sweetness.
• Soy sauce: Brings that umami punch that balances the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel sweetness to complement the pineapple.
• Pineapple juice: Use the juice from the canned pineapple for natural sweetness and tang.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a subtle heat that livens up the dish.
• Ginger powder: Gives a warm, zesty note—don’t skip it!
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy—you can swap for breasts but watch cooking time.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all flavors.
• Green and red bell peppers: Seeded and chopped for sweetness and vibrant color.
• Onion: Cut into bite-sized pieces; they add natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced for that essential savory depth.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce near the end.
• Water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry.
• Canned pineapple chunks: Tossed in late so they stay juicy and don’t get mushy.
• Green onion and sesame seeds (optional): Perfect for garnish and a little extra flavor punch.

Variations

I love making this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe my own depending on what I have in the pantry or my mood. Feel free to tweak the heat level or swap veggies to keep things interesting or suit your family’s tastes.

• Use chicken breasts: I’ve swapped thighs for breasts when I wanted a leaner version—just check the cooking time closely so the meat stays tender.
• Add more veggies: Sometimes I throw in snap peas or carrots for extra color and crunch.
• Spice it up: If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce.
• Make it gluten-free: Simply swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and you’re good to go.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Hawaiian Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, red pepper flakes, and ginger powder until smooth. This sauce is where all the flavor magic happens, so make sure it’s well combined before moving on.

Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the chopped green and red bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic over the top. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over everything. If you’re feeling fancy, you can give everything a gentle stir, but I usually just layer it.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. You’ll want to check around the 4th or 5th hour if using low heat to avoid overcooking. The chicken should be super tender and easily shred with a fork when done.

Step 4: Thicken and Add Pineapple

About an hour before the cooking is done, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth then stir it into the slow cooker along with the pineapple chunks. This thickens the sauce and warms the pineapple perfectly without turning it mushy.

Step 5: Optional Broil for Extra Color

If you want a little caramelized color on your chicken like I do, set your oven to broil, place the cooked thighs on a foil-lined baking sheet, and broil for 2-3 minutes. Just watch carefully to avoid burning. Then pop the chicken back into the slow cooker to soak up more sauce before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It just adds that little extra brightness and a subtle crunch that makes the meal feel polished. If you want to jazz it up even more, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro works wonders too.

Side Dishes

Serving this over fluffy white rice is my go-to—it soaks up all the sauce perfectly. Sometimes I’ll switch it up with coconut rice or even buttered noodles for a fun twist. A simple side of steamed broccoli or roasted veggies balances the sweetness nicely and adds some needed green to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe in hollowed-out pineapple halves—it’s festive and totally impresses guests! Another fun idea is arranging it over a colorful bed of quinoa salad or serving alongside a tropical fruit salsa for a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for 3-4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better in my opinion!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Just portion it into airtight freezer containers or heavy-duty zip bags, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave space for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. You can add a splash of water or extra pineapple juice if the sauce seems thick. Microwave works too for busy days—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and yet incredibly easy to make. I remember the first time I tried it, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together in the slow cooker to create something so vibrant and comforting. I hope you give it a try—you really can’t go wrong and it has a way of making dinner feel a little more special with very little effort.

Print