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Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a tender, flavorful slow-cooked dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with sweet crushed pineapple and tangy barbecue sauce. This easy-to-prepare recipe offers a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and savory island-inspired flavors, making it a family-friendly, versatile meal ideal for busy weeknights and meal prep.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, with juice
  • 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup for low-sugar alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs to ensure even cooking and prevent greasiness.
  2. Combine the Sauce: In a bowl, mix crushed pineapple (with juice), barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the flavors blend harmoniously.
  3. Layer in the Crockpot: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top, then add the chopped onions and red bell peppers. Make sure everything is well coated with the sauce to soak up maximum flavor.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreddable. The slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb the sweet and tangy sauce fully.
  5. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return it to the sauce and stir well so it soaks up every bit of that delicious Hawaiian flavor.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for moist, flavorful results during slow cooking.
  • Avoid lifting the crockpot lid frequently to maintain steady cooking temperatures.
  • For added texture, toss in fresh pineapple chunks halfway through cooking.
  • To thicken the sauce, remove chicken and simmer sauce with a cornstarch slurry before returning chicken.
  • For best flavor, prepare the night before by combining ingredients and refrigerating overnight.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: Crockpot chicken, Hawaiian chicken, slow cooker recipe, pineapple chicken, barbecue chicken, family dinner, easy meal, gluten-free