Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken: Your Go-To Low-Point, Set-It-and-Forget-It Dinner

There’s nothing quite like the perfect fusion of sweet and savory to elevate a meal, and this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe delivers precisely that. Imagine succulent chicken bathed in a vibrant, tropical sauce, bursting with the irresistible flavors of pineapple and a hint of umami, all cooked to tender perfection with minimal effort. This dish is the epitome of comfort food meets exotic delight, making it an instant favorite for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Utilizing the magic of your slow cooker, this recipe embraces the “set-it-and-forget-it” philosophy, allowing you to go about your day while a delicious, aromatic meal simmers to perfection. Hawaiian-inspired cuisine is renowned for its harmonious blend of smoky, salty, and sweet notes, where the bright tang of pineapple often dances gracefully with the rich depth of soy sauce. Our 2-Point crockpot rendition captures all these beloved flavors effortlessly, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet remains wonderfully light and healthy. If you’re looking for more delicious and healthy meal ideas, be sure to explore our other yummy dinner recipes!

Why You Need to Make This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking flavor, convenience, and health benefits all in one delightful package. Here’s why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your culinary rotation:

• Exceptionally Low in Weight Watchers Points: One of the standout features of this recipe is its incredible point value. Each generous serving is only 2 Weight Watchers points, making it an ideal choice for those following the program who want to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without sacrificing their daily points budget. It’s proof that healthy eating can be both delicious and easy to track. You’ll feel full and satisfied, without the guilt!
• Authentic Hawaiian-Style Flavor Without the Fuss: Experience the vibrant, exotic flavors of a Hawaiian dish right in your own kitchen, but with minimal effort. The carefully balanced combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce, complemented by a touch of brown sugar (or Splenda for a lighter option), creates a tantalizing sweet and savory profile that is simply irresistible. This dish brings the essence of a tropical getaway to your dinner table, even on the busiest of evenings.
• The Unbeatable Crock-Pot Magic: The slow cooker is truly a marvel, turning simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal with very little hands-on time. It’s like having a personal chef preparing your dinner while you’re at work, running errands, or simply relaxing. Coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of dinner gently simmering away is one of life’s simple pleasures, promising a delicious and ready-to-eat meal. This “slow-cooked surprise” at the end of a long day is incredibly rewarding.
• Perfect for Beginner Cooks: If you’re new to cooking or looking for foolproof recipes, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is an excellent starting point. The preparation is straightforward, involving simple chopping and mixing, and the slow cooker handles the rest. There are no complicated techniques or extensive culinary skills required. You’ll consistently achieve a flavorful, incredibly tender chicken dish that looks (and tastes) impressively professional, all without any stress.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe offers fantastic flexibility for customization. Whether you want to add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different sweeteners, it’s easy to adapt to your personal preferences and what you have on hand. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 4 hours (on high)

Servings: 4

Serving Size: Approximately 300 g.

2 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW Apphere. (WW login required.)

Gather Your Ingredients for This Tropical Delight

Creating this flavorful Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken starts with a simple list of fresh and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature sweet, savory, and tangy profile. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this tropical feast to life:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed (450 g) – Lean protein is key for a low-point meal.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup, 150 g) – Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup, 150 g) – Contributes a slight bitterness and fresh crunch.
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced (75 g) – Provides a sharp, savory base that mellows beautifully with cooking.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml) – The essential umami and salty component.
• 3 envelopes of Splenda (3 g) – For guilt-free sweetness; adjust to taste or use brown sugar.
• 1 cup pineapple juice (240 ml) – The star of the show, delivering tropical sweetness and tang.
• 1 piece fresh ginger, lightly smashed (1 inch, 5 g) – Infuses a warm, pungent aroma and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon oil (15 ml) – Helps to tenderize and adds a touch of richness.
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed – Aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon paprika (5 g) – Adds a mild, earthy warmth and a lovely reddish hue.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – Seasoning essentials to enhance all the flavors.

Simple Steps to Your Delicious Slow Cooker Meal

Preparing this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is incredibly straightforward, designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Just follow these easy steps, and your slow cooker will do most of the work for you, leaving you with a tender, flavorful, and healthy meal.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by cubing your boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes the chicken easier to eat. Set the chicken aside while you prepare your vegetables. Next, dice both the red and green bell peppers into small, even pieces. Dice the red onion similarly. Uniform cuts are not just for aesthetics; they help all ingredients cook at the same rate.
2. Craft the Flavorful Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Splenda (or your preferred sweetener), paprika, salt, and black pepper. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of the pineapple juice, reserving the other half for a later step to maintain its fresh, bright flavor during the slow cooking process. Stir everything until well combined, ensuring the Splenda has dissolved.
3. Marinate the Chicken to Infuse Flavors: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the prepared marinade. Toss well, ensuring every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the fragrant mixture. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes. While 10 minutes is sufficient for quick flavor infusion, if you have more time, feel free to marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes for an even deeper taste.
4. Assemble in the Crock Pot: Carefully transfer the marinated chicken, along with all the marinade from the bowl, into the slow cooker. Evenly spread the chicken across the bottom. Next, layer the diced red and green bell peppers and the diced red onion over the chicken. Finally, add the slightly smashed piece of fresh ginger and the crushed garlic cloves into the pot, distributing them amongst the chicken and vegetables.
5. Boost with Remaining Pineapple Juice: Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of pineapple juice over the contents of the crock pot. This addition later in the process helps to enhance the overall tropical flavor, keeping it bright and fresh as the dish slowly cooks down.
6. Final Seasoning and Gentle Stir: Sprinkle additional salt and black pepper over the mixture in the crock pot according to your preference. Drizzle with the tablespoon of oil. This not only adds a subtle richness but also helps to carry the fat-soluble flavors throughout the dish. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure all ingredients are well distributed and coated.
7. Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your crock pot. Set the cooker to cook on the “high” setting for 4 hours. The high setting ensures the chicken cooks through and becomes wonderfully tender, while the flavors meld beautifully into a cohesive, delicious sauce.
8. Check for Doneness and Thicken if Desired: Once the 4 hours are complete, check the chicken to ensure it is tender and fully cooked through (it should shred easily). If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid and allow it to cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes on high. This will help reduce the liquid, resulting in a richer, more concentrated sauce.
9. Serve Hot and Garnish: Your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot, perhaps over a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, consider garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions before serving. Enjoy your effortless, flavor-packed meal!

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Hawaiian Chicken

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

• Classic Rice Bed: Serve generously over steamed white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully.
• Noodle Power: Toss with some cooked lo mein noodles or whole wheat pasta for a heartier dish.
• Fresh Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, or green beans make excellent companions, adding extra nutrition and a delightful crunch.
• Pineapple Chunks: For an extra boost of tropical flavor and texture, stir in some fresh or canned pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping, ensuring you have delicious, healthy meals ready to go throughout the week. Properly storing your leftovers is key to maintaining their freshness and flavor.

• Refrigeration: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed through. Add a splash of water or pineapple juice if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Dish

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to customize a recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Pineapple Options: While we’ve used pineapple juice for a smooth, infused flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh or canned pineapple. For an extra textural element and burst of juicy sweetness, you can add 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks or drained canned pineapple pieces during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. For the best of both worlds, combine juice for the sauce and chunks for the texture!
• Make It Gluten-Free: For those who need to avoid gluten, a simple swap makes this recipe entirely gluten-free without compromising on taste. Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari, a gluten-free alternative that offers an almost identical umami flavor. This ensures everyone at your table can enjoy this delicious meal safely.
• Colorful Bell Peppers: Bell peppers not only add a beautiful spectrum of color to the dish but also contribute varying degrees of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. While red bell peppers are often favored for their sweetness, green or yellow bell peppers work equally well. Feel free to use a mix of colors for a visually appealing and nutritionally diverse meal.
• Sugar Alternatives: The sauce in this recipe benefits from a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements. We’ve used Splenda for a low-calorie option, but you can easily substitute it with brown sugar for a richer, more caramelized flavor. Other sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia can also be used. When paired with the soy sauce, the result is always a perfectly balanced sweet and savory profile, without unnecessary calories.
• Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor and even more tender result, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breast meat. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Elevate your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with these helpful tips and tricks, ensuring every batch is a resounding success:

• Brown the Chicken First: While not strictly necessary for this slow cooker recipe, searing the chicken in a skillet with a sprinkle of salt and pepper before adding it to the crock pot can make a noticeable difference. This quick step creates a beautiful golden crust, locking in moisture and adding a depth of flavor through caramelization. It also helps the sauce remain clearer, preventing a cloudy appearance.
• Ginger for Extra Flavor: Fresh ginger is a powerhouse of flavor. If you truly love its pungent, warm, and slightly citrusy notes, don’t be shy about adding a larger piece, lightly smashed but kept whole. This allows the ginger to infuse its essence into the sauce without overpowering the dish, and it’s easy to remove before serving.
• Add a Little Heat: For those who appreciate a kick of spice, this Hawaiian chicken is a fantastic canvas. A small drizzle of sriracha sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes added to the marinade or directly into the crock pot will introduce a pleasant warmth that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the pineapple. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Perfect Slow Cooker Timing: Adhering to the recommended 4-hour cooking time on the high setting is crucial for this dish. This duration allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in exceptionally tender chicken without the risk of overcooking. Cooking chicken for too long in a crock pot can sometimes lead to a dry or stringy texture, so aim for this sweet spot.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: A final flourish of fresh herbs can brighten the entire dish. Once cooking is complete, a generous handful of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions sprinkled on top just before serving adds a burst of vibrant color, a fresh aroma, and an extra layer of flavor that complements the tropical notes.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the lid, turn the crockpot to high, and let it simmer for an extra 15-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the hot sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions you might have about making Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken:

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but it will need a longer cooking time. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• What if I don’t have Splenda? You can substitute Splenda with 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup, adjusting to your taste preference. Be mindful that this may slightly increase the Weight Watchers points.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Carrots, snap peas, or broccoli florets can be added during the last hour of cooking for extra texture and nutrition.
• How can I make the sauce spicier? As mentioned in the tips, a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes will add a nice kick. Add it to the marinade or directly to the slow cooker to your liking.
• Is this recipe suitable for kids? Yes, the sweet and savory flavors are generally very kid-friendly. If your kids are sensitive to strong flavors, you might reduce the amount of ginger slightly.

Embrace the Ease and Flavor of Slow Cooking

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and convenient cooking methods to create something truly delicious and satisfying. With its low Weight Watchers points, vibrant Hawaiian flavors, and the effortless magic of the slow cooker, it’s designed to fit seamlessly into any busy lifestyle while delivering a taste experience that transports you to a tropical paradise.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe offers a foolproof path to a tender, juicy chicken dish enveloped in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. It’s perfect for meal prepping, feeding a family, or simply enjoying a delightful, guilt-free dinner. So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most beloved and convenient dishes you’ll ever make. Happy cooking!