This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a burst of flavors! Made with tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a tasty sauce, it’s simple to put together in your slow cooker.
You can toss it all in, set it, and relax! I love serving it over rice for a quick dinner that feels a little special. Perfect for busy days when you want something yummy effortlessly! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken is perfect for this dish as it cooks up tender. You can substitute it with thighs if you prefer more flavor or if chicken breast isn’t available.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a great texture and flavor, but canned pineapple chunks work just as well. Make sure to drain it to avoid excess moisture.
Pineapple Juice: If you don’t have juice, use orange juice or an equal amount of water mixed with some sugar for sweetness.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos, which have a sweeter taste. Low-sodium soy sauce is another option if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown Sugar: You can use coconut sugar or honey as a substitute. Just adjust the quantity, as honey is sweeter, so you might want to use a bit less.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender chicken is cooking it low and slow. The crockpot does this beautifully! Here are a few tips:
- Make sure you layer the chicken at the bottom, as it needs direct contact with the heat.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. For the best results, stick to the low setting for about 6-7 hours.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry about 30 minutes before serving, which thickens the sauce nicely.
- Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust with salt, pepper, or extra sugar as needed to match your family’s preferences.
With these tips, you’ll have a deliciously sweet chicken dish that everyone will love!
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned or fresh)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and requires cooking for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. So, it’s perfect for starting in the morning and coming home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This ensures that they cook evenly and stay tender throughout the process.
2. Add the Vegetables and Pineapple:
Next, layer the sliced onion, bell pepper, and pineapple chunks over the chicken. This creates a tasty base for the dish and flavors the chicken as it cooks.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and ginger until well combined. This sweet and savory mixture will be the star of your dish!
4. Pour the Sauce Over Everything:
Carefully pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, making sure everything is coated in that delicious sauce.
5. Cook It Up!
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
6. Optional Thickening:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and continue cooking uncovered for those last 30 minutes.
7. Final Taste Check:
Once it’s cooked, taste the chicken and sauce. You can adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve It Up:
Serve your Hawaiian chicken over cooked white rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your easy, sweet, and savory meal!
Happy Cooking! 🍍
FAQ for Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave before adding it to the crockpot.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To make it a bit healthier, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. You can also reduce the brown sugar or substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener. Adding extra vegetables like carrots or broccoli also boosts the nutrition!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance—mix the sauce and layer the ingredients in the crockpot. Just cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, pop it in the slow cooker and turn it on!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce moist. Enjoy for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week!
