This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tasty meal that’s super easy to make! Just toss chicken, pineapple, and some delicious sauces in your slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
I love how the sweet and tangy flavors make it a hit at dinner! Serve it over rice, and you have a plate that makes everyone smile. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days! 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier flavor, or even use boneless, skinless chicken tenders for a quicker cook time.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a vibrant flavor, but canned pineapple chunks work just as well. If you’re looking for a fun twist, try using mango or a mixed fruit cocktail for a different sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is perfect, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. For a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will both work here, with dark adding a richer flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, just adjust for sweetness to your taste.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a nice punch, but if you don’t have it, ground ginger is an acceptable alternative. Just remember, 1 teaspoon of fresh is roughly equivalent to 1/2 teaspoon of dried.
How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?
If you want that thick, sticky sauce that clings to the chicken, here’s how to do it. Using cornstarch is a quick method to enhance the sauce. Here’s what to do:
- After cooking, take the liquid from the crockpot and pour it into a saucepan.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the sauce starts to thicken, which usually takes a few minutes.
This simple step will give your sauce a delightful consistency that complements the chicken wonderfully!
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
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thicken sauce)
Time Estimate:
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and will need to cook in the crockpot for about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. So, it’s perfect for a hands-off, hassle-free meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will ensure they cook evenly and soak up all that yummy sauce!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit spicy. Stir it well until everything is nicely blended.
3. Combine in Crockpot:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well coated. It’s going to taste amazing!
4. Add Ingredients:
Next, toss in the pineapple chunks and the diced red and green bell peppers on top of the chicken. These will add a nice texture and flavor to the dish.
5. Cook:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through by the end.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, take the liquid from the crockpot after cooking and pour it into a saucepan. Stir the cornstarch and water mixture in, then simmer over medium heat until it thickens to your liking.
7. Finish Up:
After thickening, return the chicken to the crockpot, spoon the thickened sauce over it, and let it soak in all those great flavors. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh pop!
8. Serve:
Enjoy your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken hot over a bed of steamed white rice or your favorite grains. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your delicious meal! 🌟
FAQ for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it’s completely thawed first for even cooking. Thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before placing it in the crockpot.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple Juice?
If you’re out of pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or even apple juice for a different flavor. Just remember that it will slightly change the dish’s sweetness and acidity!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick meal!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or broccoli. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
