Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken

Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken brings together tropical sweetness and savory comfort in one effortless dish. From the very first bite, the tender chicken absorbs a rich pineapple glaze that slowly develops while you go about your day. Because the slow cooker gently simmers everything together, the flavors deepen naturally without extra work. Meanwhile, the balance of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic keeps the sweetness grounded and crave-worthy.

Interestingly, Hawaiian-style sauces became popular in American kitchens during the mid-20th century, when pineapple was seen as an exciting luxury ingredient. Over time, that bright tropical flavor became a comfort classic. Today, this version keeps things modern, cozy, and incredibly approachable.

Whether served over rice or tucked into bowls, this recipe fits busy schedules while still feeling special. Most importantly, it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it a dependable favorite for weeknights, gatherings, or relaxed weekends alike.

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 cup pineapple juice
½ cup pineapple chunks
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup soy sauce
¼ cup ketchup
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp water
2 green onions, sliced (garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the slow cooker:
First, place the chicken thighs in an even layer in the slow cooker.

2. Build the sauce:
Next, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic until smooth.

3. Slow cook gently:
Then, pour the sauce over the chicken, add pineapple chunks, cover, and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until tender.

4. Thicken the glaze:
Afterward, mix cornstarch with water. Stir into the slow cooker, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes until glossy and thick.

5. Finish and serve:
Finally, spoon sauce over the chicken and garnish with green onions before serving.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Balance sweetness carefully: Because pineapple juice varies in sweetness, taste the sauce halfway through and adjust slightly if needed for balance.
• Choose thighs for tenderness: Chicken thighs remain juicy during long cooking, which helps the sauce cling beautifully.
• Thicken at the end: Adding cornstarch late prevents breakdown and ensures a shiny, restaurant-style glaze.