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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is a crockpot chicken recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Throw everything into the slow cooker and you end up with tender chicken breast pieces and veggies, in a sweet and savory Hawaiian style teriyaki sauce. Serve over rice for the best dinner!

For a tropical Hawaiian dessert after dinner, try this Hawaiian Poke Cake.

A serving of the Hawaiian chicken with rice on a white plate

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken (Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken)

Get a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort! This slow cooker hawaiian pineapple chicken is similar to the sweetness and tanginess of sweet and sour chicken but with the addition of tropical flavors with pineapple chunks and pineapple juice.

Chunks of chicken tender, bell peppers, and onion cook in the sweet flavors of juicy pineapple and a savory sauce that tastes similar to teriyaki sauce but with fresh pineapple flavors!

Pineapple Hawaiian chicken inside the crock pot with a serving spoon with some on it.

Ingredients Needed

Hawaiian Sauce Ingredients

Pineapple Juice : Reserve the juice from the canned pineapple chunks. The pineapple juice creates a tangy sauce and adds sweetness.
Cornstarch : Helps to thicken the sauce while it’s cooking.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce : Provides a savory umami flavor without the need for too much additional salt.
Tomato Ketchup
Light Brown Sugar
Minced Garlic : The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. You can mince or press fresh garlic cloves for this, use chopped garlic from a jar, or use garlic paste.
Ground Ginger
Sesame Oil
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes : Optional, add only if you want some heat/spice to the dish.

Hawaiian Chicken Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts OR Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs : Either one can be used in this recipe, it just depends on what you prefer. Boneless chicken breasts are a leaner option, but chicken thighs hold up better to the longer cook time and won’t dry out as easily.
Sweet Onion
Red Bell Pepper
Green Bell Pepper
Pineapple Chunks : You will need a 20 ounce can of pineapple chunks. Make sure to reserve all the pineapple juice for the sauce.
Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions : For serving, as a garnish.

How To Make Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken (Printable Recipe Card)

Drain the can of pineapple chunks and reserve the juice from the can (1 cup pineapple juice is needed for the sauce), in a separate bowl. Set the pineapple chunks aside for later.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice and cornstarch until smooth. Add in the low-sodium soy sauce, tomato ketchup, light brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, sesame oil, salt & pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk to combine and set aside for later.

Place the cubed chicken into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the onion, red pepper chunks, and green pepper chunks over top the chicken.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Add the pineapple chunks on top.

Cover and cook on LOW heat for 4-6 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Serve hot over cooked white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy!

How To Store Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat leftovers inside the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You may want to add some additional water, broth, or pineapple juice when reheating.

Can I Make It Ahead of Time?

Yes you can prepare the different components ahead of time, up to 24 hours, and store them inside the refrigerator. Chop the chicken into 1-inch cubes and place them inside an airtight container. Chop the onion and bell peppers and place them inside a separate airtight container. Whisk up the sauce ingredients and store it in the fridge. When ready, dump the components into the slow cooker and cook.

Overhead pic of the slow cooker and a serving of the Hawaiian chicken on a white plate.

Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned Pineapple In This Pineapple Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple chunks but you will also have to buy 100% pineapple juice for the sauce. They sell pineapple juice in cans that can be found in the juice aisle. Dole is the brand that makes it and it comes in a large 46 ounce can and a 6-pack of smaller cans. You will need about 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks if using fresh.

What Are Some Substitutions I Can Make?

Pineapple Chunks : You can use about 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks. If doing this, you will have to buy 100% pineapple juice from the store for the sauce. You can find pineapple juice by the Dole brand, in the juice aisle. It comes in a large 46 ounce can and smaller cans that come in a 6-pack.
Bell Peppers : Any color or color combination will work; choose between green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, or red bell peppers.
Chicken : Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work really well in this easy recipe. I prefer chicken breasts for a leaner option, but chicken thighs do add more flavor and won’t dry out as easily in the slow cooker.
Onion : Use any type of onion you prefer; sweet, white, yellow, or even a red onion.

Serving Suggestions For Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

Crock pot hawaiian chicken is best served over white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, rice noodles, sesame noodles, or fried rice. You can also eat it as is or try it inside a lettuce wrap for a lower carb option.

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken