I still remember the first time I set this sweet, tangy mix to simmer all day in the crockpot — my kitchen smelled like a Hawaiian food truck by dinner. Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is an easy, hands-off weeknight winner: juicy chicken thighs braised with bell peppers, pineapple, and a simple soy-brown sugar sauce. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect when you want a comforting dish with tropical flair and almost no fuss.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe hits several home-cooking sweet spots: it’s low-effort, family-friendly, budget-conscious, and makes great leftovers. Using a crockpot means the chicken stays tender and absorbs the pineapple-soy glaze without constant attention. It’s a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

“A perfect balance of sweet and savory — I shredded the chicken for tacos and everyone asked for seconds.”

Small note: if you like a more pronounced caramelized flavor, briefly broil the finished chicken under the oven for 3–4 minutes before serving.

In case you want other pineapple-and-brown-sugar ideas while planning sides, check out this brown sugar pineapple chicken variation I tested that’s good for quick dinners: brown sugar pineapple chicken.

The cooking process explained

Before you gather ingredients: this is a dump-and-cook recipe with an easy sauce. Expect to:

Layer raw chicken in the slow cooker.
Add sliced bell peppers and pineapple on top.
Whisk a simple soy-brown sugar sauce with garlic and ginger.
Pour over everything and let the crockpot do the work for 3–8 hours depending on your setting.
Hands-off cooking produces tender, fall-apart chicken and melded flavors you can serve over rice, noodles, or tucked into soft rolls.

Gather these items

What you’ll need:

2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless; thighs stay juicier than breasts)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1/2 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium to control salt)
1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Substitutions and notes:

Swap pineapple for mango for a different fruity note, or use pineapple juice (reduce added soy slightly) if you like more sauce.
For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
If you want less sugar, reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.
Also useful: a slow-cooker liner can make cleanup faster if you’re short on time. If you’d like a different crockpot-style soup to try another weeknight option, I’ve tested a rich coconut-based soup that pairs well with tropical-flavored dinners: crockpot Thai coconut chicken soup.

How to prepare it

Follow these clear, simple steps for best results:

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place them in a single layer in the bottom of the crockpot.
Scatter the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers over the chicken. Add the pineapple chunks on top.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar mostly dissolves. Taste and adjust — if it’s too salty, add a teaspoon of water or a bit more brown sugar.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, peppers, and pineapple. The liquid should come partway up the sides of the chicken; it will release more juices as it cooks.
Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F and the thighs are tender enough to shred with a fork.
Before serving, skim any excess fat if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.

How to serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Best ways to enjoy it:

Spoon over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
Serve with coconut rice and a side of sautéed greens for a tropical plate.
Shred the chicken and use it in sliders or tacos with pickled red onion for contrast.
For low-carb meals, serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of lettuce as a warm salad.

For plating, use a shallow bowl so the sauce rims the chicken and rice. Top with chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime for bright acidity.

Storage and reheating tips

Keeping leftovers fresh:

Refrigerator: Cool leftovers within 2 hours and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on low in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Reheat until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Food safety tip: Always cool bulk-cooked chicken quickly and never leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours to limit bacterial growth.

Pro chef tips

Use bone-in, skinless thighs for the best flavor and moisture; they release collagen into the sauce and stay succulent.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken at the end of cooking, place the crockpot insert on the stove over medium heat, and reduce the sauce for 5–8 minutes, or whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
For a smoky note, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce.
If peppers get too soft in your slow cooker, add them during the last 60–90 minutes of cooking.
To make it a one-pan meal for oven finish: transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and broil 3–4 minutes to caramelize the top.

Want another brown-sugar-and-pineapple approach with a slightly different texture? Here’s an alternative dinner-tested version to compare technique: alternative pineapple chicken.

Creative twists

Spicy Pineapple: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or a sliced jalapeño to the sauce for heat.
Teriyaki Upgrade: Stir in 2 tablespoons of mirin and a splash of sesame oil for a more classic teriyaki flavor.
Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes or seitan; reduce cooking time and watch for texture.
Hawaiian BBQ: Substitute half the soy sauce with low-sugar barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet profile.
Herb-forward: Finish with chopped basil or mint for a fresh lift.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but breasts can dry out in long slow-cooking. If using breasts, check doneness earlier (around 3–4 hours on LOW) and remove as soon as they hit 165°F.

Q: Do I need to brown the chicken first?
A: No — this recipe is designed as a dump-and-go. Browning adds flavor but isn’t necessary. If you brown the thighs first, you’ll get a richer sauce.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
A: Remove the lid during the last 30–45 minutes on HIGH to let some liquid evaporate, or transfer sauce to a saucepan and simmer until reduced.

Q: Is the pineapple flavor strong?
A: It’s noticeable but balanced by soy and ginger. Use less pineapple or reserve half for the last hour if you want a subtler fruit presence.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but ensure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled — keep contents below the max line. Cooking time may increase slightly.

Conclusion

If you enjoyed this easy slow-cooker tropical dinner, you might like comparing other takes on the same idea — for another tested version with similar flavors see Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken | Little Bit Recipes. For a slightly different technique and presentation, this recipe also offers useful variations: Crock Pot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken – Cooking With Janica.

Happy cooking — this recipe rewards patience and makes dinner feel like a mini getaway.