Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe Easy Sweet and Tangy Dinner Idea
A sweet and tangy slow cooker Hawaiian chicken recipe that is easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and delivers tender, flavorful chicken with tropical flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks in juice (fresh pineapple can be used)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Ensure the sugar dissolves well. (5 minutes)
- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, then scatter the pineapple chunks on top. Do not stir. (5 minutes)
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). (6–7 hours low or 3–4 hours high)
- Using tongs, carefully remove the chicken to a serving dish. Stir the sauce in the slow cooker to mix the pineapple chunks through, then spoon the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. (5 minutes)
- Optional: If the sauce is too thin, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water and cook on high for another 15 minutes to thicken.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken thighs for juiciness. Fresh ginger and garlic add essential warmth and depth. Layer ingredients without stirring initially for better flavor absorption. Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more brown sugar or rice vinegar. For thicker sauce, use cornstarch slurry. Can be adapted for Instant Pot or stovetop simmer. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 350400
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 1520
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 3035
Keywords: slow cooker, Hawaiian chicken, sweet and tangy, easy dinner, pineapple chicken, crockpot recipe, weeknight meal