Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Freezer Meal with Pineapple

Easy Hawaiian Chicken Freezer Meal with Pineapple

Looking for a tropical-inspired meal that practically cooks itself? Say ALOHA to this Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken! It is sweet, savory, and perfect for busy families. With juicy chicken, red bell peppers, and pineapple chunks in a honey-soy sauce, it’s a freezer meal you’ll want on repeat. Whether you’re meal prepping or need an easy weeknight dinner, this Hawaiian chicken delivers every time.

Perfect for Meal Planning

Because this Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is so simple—and a hit with the whole family—it’s a lifesaver on hectic days. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight, toss it into the slow cooker, and you’ll have a hot, wholesome dinner ready before evening activities. ✨ TIP: Make a double (or triple!) batch—cook one now and freeze the rest. You’ll have a tropical-inspired dinner ready to go anytime. Your future self (and your family) will thank you! Forgot to thaw? No worries—microwave it on low to thaw, or place it in the slow cooker frozen—just add an extra hour on low if it is frozen.

👉 Related Post: 15 Meal Planning Tips to Save Money and Time

Ingredients and Supplies Needed to Make this Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper
• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Canned pineapple chunks in juice
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic cloves
• Cornstarch
• Optional garnishes: green onions or parsley

Ingredient substitutions or suggestions

• Chicken thighs vs. breasts – Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs but are drier; reduce cook time by 30 minutes.
• Fresh pineapple – Substitute canned pineapple with fresh chunks and add 1/4 cup pineapple juice.
• Make it spicy – Add sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes to give the dish a kick.
• Extra veggies – Try snow peas, broccoli, or carrots. Add these in the last 30–60 minutes.
• Teriyaki twist – Replace honey with teriyaki sauce for a more traditional flavor.

Supplies

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Freezer bags
• Knife and cutting board
• Rice cooker (optional)
• Small mixing bowl

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1 – Prepare

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place in the bottom of your slow cooker. Chop and add onion, red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks (reserve the juice for sauce).

Step 2 – Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and reserved pineapple juice. Pour the sauce over everything in the slow cooker.

Step 3 – Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. About 30 minutes before it’s done, mix cornstarch and cold water, then stir into the pot to thicken.

Step 4 – Serve

Serve warm over coconut rice or white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, and optionally pair with grilled pineapple or steamed veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Hawaiian chicken?

Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after cooking. For freezer prep, assemble all ingredients raw in a resealable bag, label, and freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook per instructions.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts are a leaner alternative. Just reduce cook time by about 30 minutes to prevent dryness.

What to serve with Hawaiian chicken?

Serve it over white or coconut rice. For sides, try steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh green salad with sesame dressing.

Can I add the vegetables later to keep them crisp?

Yes! Add bell peppers and other quick-cooking veggies 30 minutes before serving for better texture.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. It should shred easily with a fork when done.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is easy, flavorful, and freezer-friendly—making it perfect for busy families. You’ll love the sweet and savory sauce, and the flexibility to prep ahead makes it even better.

More Chicken Recipes for You to Enjoy

• Easy Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe
• Quick Keto Chicken Recipe with Bacon and Ranch
• Skillet Honey Lemon Glazed Chicken Recipe
• Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe
• Healthy Honey Sesame Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe (Freezer Meal)

This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is absolutely delicious served over coconut rice! Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a savory sauce come together in one of the easiest—and most flavorful—slow cooker meals you'll ever make.

4.75 / 5 ( 4 Reviews )

Print Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 hours hours 35 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Small bowl

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• salt and pepper
• 1 onion cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch chunks
• 20 ounce can pineapple chunks in juice drained
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

• Pat chicken dry with paper towel. Season with salt and pepper. Add chicken to slow cooker.
• Add onion, bell pepper, and pineapple chunks to slow cooker.
• In a small bowl, mix together sugar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Pour thick sauce into slow cooker.
• For Slow Cooking: Cook on LOW for 5 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours.

  For Freezer Meal: Place all ingredients in a freezer bag, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking as directed.
• Mix cornstarch and water until smooth and add to the slow cooker. Gently stirring a bit to incorporate into the liquid.
• Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
• Serve with cooked rice and garnish with parsley or green onion, if desired.

Preparing for the Freezer:

• Place seasoned raw chicken into a large resealable bag. Add the pineapple chunks, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and sauce. Freeze. (Keep cornstarch on hand for when ready to cook.)

Prepare After Freezing:

• Let thaw in fridge for 24 hours. Then dump contents of bag into slow cooker and cook, as instructed above.

Recipe Notes

If you prefer slightly more crisp bell pepper pieces, add the chopped bell pepper to the slow cooker later on, when you add the cornstarch.

Nutrition

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 479mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 54g

Recipe Adapted From: Dinner, Then Dessert