Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken (Print)
Tender chicken in sweet pineapple sauce with Hawaiian flavors, perfect for easy weeknight meals.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
→ Sauce
02 - 1 cup pineapple juice
03 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
05 - 1/2 cup ketchup
06 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
07 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
08 - 2 tablespoons water
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
→ Vegetables & Fruit
11 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
13 - 1 medium onion, sliced
14 - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, drained
→ Optional Garnish
15 - 2 green onions, sliced
16 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
# How-To Steps:
01 - Arrange the chicken thighs or breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl until sugar dissolves completely. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
03 - Scatter the sliced onions, bell pepper pieces, and pineapple chunks over the chicken and sauce mixture.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until chicken registers 165°F internally and shreds easily with a fork.
05 - Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetables to a serving platter using a slotted spoon. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
06 - Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk cornstarch and water together in a small cup until smooth, then whisk into the simmering liquid. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
07 - Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed white or coconut rice.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Throw everything in the slow cooker and walk away
- The sweet and tangy sauce is absolutely addictive
02 -
- The sauce will taste quite salty before cooking but the long simmer mellows it out perfectly
- Thighs really do handle the slow cooker better than breasts which can dry out
03 -
- Brown the chicken in a skillet first for deeper flavor
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for the most fragrant finish