Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Tropical Flavor: The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar brings a sweet and tangy flavor that’s irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, in tacos, or on its own for a delicious meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory combination!
Key Ingredients
For the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Juicy and tender, providing a great base for the sauce.
- Pineapple Chunks: Adds sweetness and a tropical flair.
- Soy Sauce: For a savory depth that balances the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and creates a rich sauce.
- Garlic and Ginger: Fresh or powdered, these aromatics give the dish a delicious depth of flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and crunch.
- Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce (optional).
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp ginger, minced (or 1/2 tsp ginger powder)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot
- Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Mix the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Add the pineapple chunks and red bell pepper on top.
4. Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and add it to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well and let it thicken.
6. Serve
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it into the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious flavors.
- In Tacos: Use tortillas to make tasty chicken tacos with fresh toppings.
- With Vegetables: Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking can intensify the flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in additional veggies like snap peas or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Store Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a delicious escape to the islands with every bite! The combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.