This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a real treat! Just toss chicken with pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a slow cooker. Let it cook, and enjoy the sweet, sticky goodness!
I love how simple this meal is—just set it and forget it! Plus, the pineapple makes it so juicy and fun. Perfect for those busy days when you still want something tasty! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and tender. If you prefer, you can use thighs; they’re juicier and add more flavor.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple is convenient, but fresh pineapple can be a delightful swap. Just chop it into chunks and add the juice to the mix!
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Both have a similar taste and work great in the recipe.
Brown Sugar: For a healthier alternative, maple syrup or honey can substitute brown sugar. Adjust the amount to your taste since they are sweeter.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you’d like to kick up the heat, feel free to add more! Alternatively, if you prefer no spice, just leave them out.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Tender and Juicy?
The key to tender chicken is cooking it low and slow. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors and stay juicy. Here are some steps to ensure perfect results:
- Always start with thawed chicken for even cooking.
- Make sure the chicken is covered well with the sauce to keep it moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is safe!
If you want a thicker sauce, simply follow the step to add cornstarch at the end. It makes all the difference for a clingy sauce on the chicken.
Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you let the slow cooker do its magic! It will take around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re laid flat for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple chunks (with their juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ketchup, and vinegar. If you’re using ginger and red pepper flakes, add them too! Stir everything well until combined.
3. Combine with Chicken:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture directly over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure everything is nicely coated.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook! Choose low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Final Touches:
When the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. If you like a thicker sauce, pour the sauce into a saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and add your cornstarch slurry. Stir until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve It Up:
Return the chicken to the sauce to coat it evenly. Serve your sweet Hawaiian chicken over cooked rice, and don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds!
Enjoy your sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired crockpot chicken! It’s an easy, delicious meal the whole family will love! 🍍🍗
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking for even doneness. For quicker thawing, place chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’d like more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Tasting as you go helps you find the right spice level for you!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep and combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it the next day. Just make sure to set the slow cooker to cook for the appropriate amount of time!
