Name: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast; ½ lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs; ½ small yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, slightly drained; ⅓ cup coconut aminos; Juice of 1 lime (2 to 2 ½ tablespoons); ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Swiss chard leaves; Avocado slices; Shredded carrots; Shredded purple cabbage; Green onions; Sliced almonds; Fresh cilantro

There’s something about the sweet tang of pineapple mingled with tender chicken that just hits differently. This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is pure comfort with a tropical twist, perfect for those busy days when you want amazing flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want it in your regular dinner rotation.

A white round plate on a white marbled surface holds six fresh green lettuce wraps arranged in a circle. Each wrap shows layers inside, starting with deep green lettuce on the outside, then bright orange shredded carrots, purple cabbage, light brown tuna or chicken salad, and topped with slices of light green avocado. To the right of the wraps is a small wooden bowl filled with dark soy sauce with chili flakes and sliced green chilies floating on top. A lime wedge sits next to the bowl. A striped gray and white cloth is partially visible under the plate, and some cilantro leaves appear in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of how simple and versatile this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent without all the fuss, and it really brings the flavors of the islands straight to your kitchen.

Effortless Flavor: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken ready when you are.
Perfect Balance: The sweetness from pineapple and the slight kick from red pepper flakes create a delicious sweet-and-spicy flavor combo.
Flexible Serving Options: Whether you want wraps, tacos, or a salad topping, this chicken fits any style.
Great for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers that taste great cold or hot—saving you time during busy weeks.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this recipe create a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. Using both chicken breasts and thighs ensures every bite is juicy and tender, and the combination of coconut aminos and fresh lime juice adds a perfect balance of umami and brightness.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs, a small diced yellow onion, three whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of crushed pineapple chunks, a small white bowl of dark coconut aminos, a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lime juice, a small white bowl with ground ginger powder, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of fine sea salt, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, fresh green Swiss chard leaves, ripe avocado slices, shredded bright orange carrots, shredded deep purple cabbage, fresh green onion stalks, whole sliced almonds, and fresh cilantro sprigs, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts and thighs: Mixing both gives you lean protein with extra juiciness and richness.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet-savory base that complements the pineapple perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Small but mighty, garlic deepens the flavor without overpowering.
Crushed pineapple: Fresh or canned, the natural sweetness and slight acidity brighten the sauce.
Coconut aminos: A great soy sauce alternative that brings a subtle sweetness and umami.
Lime juice: Balances the sweetness with a zesty kick, keeping the dish lively.
Ground ginger: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the tropical vibes.
Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
Sea salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into focus.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe to fit whatever mood I’m in or what I have in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — that’s part of the charm!

Variation: I sometimes swap coconut aminos for tamari or regular soy sauce for a more pronounced savory flavor—just watch the salt level!
Spicy Kick: Adding a splash of sriracha or some fresh diced jalapeños gives it a fun, fiery twist that my family adores.
Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which makes it perfect for guests or family members avoiding gluten.
Vegetarian Twist: Try simmering the sauce with tofu or hearty mushrooms instead of chicken—I’ve done it, and it’s surprisingly good!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

A stack of three wraps is placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface below. Each wrap has an outer layer of dark green leafy lettuce. Inside, layers of thin purple cabbage, small orange carrot sticks, creamy light green avocado pieces, and a mix of light brown shredded filling can be seen. The wraps are cut in half and stacked vertically. On the plate next to the stack, there is a lime wedge and some green herbs, adding fresh color to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Layer the Base Flavors

I start by placing the chicken breasts and thighs directly into the slow cooker, then toss in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. The slow cooker does the magic here, melding these simple ingredients into something special.

Step 2: Whip Up the Hawaiian Sauce

In a separate bowl, I mix the mostly drained crushed pineapple with coconut aminos, fresh lime juice, ground ginger, and those lovely red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper. Stir it all together until well combined—it smells amazing even before it hits the slow cooker.

Step 3: Pour, Cook, and Let Time Do Its Work

Pour that tropical sauce right over the chicken and onion in the slow cooker. I set mine on low for 4 to 6 hours because I like coming home to dinner that’s been cooking all day, but high for 3 hours works great too. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Shred and Soak Up the Goodness

Once the chicken is cooked, I remove it carefully and shred it with two forks. Then I stir the shredded chicken back into all those flavorful juices in the slow cooker and set it on Keep Warm until we're ready to eat. This step lets the meat soak up even more of that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Whether I’m making Swiss chard wraps with avocado and crunchy veggies, piling it into tacos, or spooning it over a big salad bowl, the options are endless. And the flavors? Always fresh, vibrant, and mouthwatering.

Top Tip

From my own kitchen adventures, I’ve learned a few simple tips to get this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe just right every time. These small tweaks can make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Don’t Skip Draining the Pineapple: Leaving the pineapple too juicy can water down the sauce, so I always gently drain most of the juice but keep some for flavor.
Use a Mix of Chicken Cuts: Combining both breasts and thighs keeps the chicken tender and less likely to dry out during the long cook.
Give it Time to Rest: Letting the shredded chicken sit in the sauce on Keep Warm for at least 10 minutes helps the flavors soak in really well.
Season at the End if Needed: Slow cookers can mellow flavors, so taste before serving and add a little extra salt, lime, or pepper if desired.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for crunch. Sometimes I add shredded purple cabbage and carrots for a pop of color and extra texture — it makes every bite exciting and fresh.

Side Dishes

Swiss chard leaves are my go-to for wraps—they’re sturdy and add a lovely green bitterness that balances the pineapple sweetness. I also enjoy pairing this chicken with coconut rice or a simple steamed veggie medley to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch at parties, I like serving the shredded chicken in mini lettuce cups garnished with avocado slices and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s always a hit and makes the meal feel special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps perfectly for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, so leftovers taste unexpectedly fantastic.

Freezing

I've frozen this shredded chicken a few times for quick meal prep—just divide it into portion-sized freezer bags and squeeze out the air. When thawed, it reheats nicely without losing its juicy texture or vibrant flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. This keeps the chicken moist and fresh-tasting, unlike microwaving which can sometimes dry it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can use the Instant Pot's slow cook function following the same times, or use the pressure cook function for about 15-20 minutes with natural release for a quicker meal.

What can I use if I don’t have coconut aminos?

You can substitute coconut aminos with soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos. If using soy sauce, keep an eye on the salt level and taste as you go, since soy sauce can be saltier.

Are Swiss chard leaves a good substitute for lettuce wraps?

Yes! Swiss chard leaves are sturdy and slightly earthy, which pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory chicken. If you can’t find Swiss chard, kale or large collard greens also work well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. This recipe tastes just as good the next day and even better after the flavors have melded overnight in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a treat but is so easy to pull together. I’ve made it countless times for family dinners, casual weeknights, and even small dinner parties—and it never disappoints. Give it a try; I think you’ll find it’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and just a little bit spicy that keeps everyone coming back for more.