Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish combining savory soy, tangy pineapple, and a touch of ginger. Perfect for busy days, this slow-cooked meal fills your home with inviting aromas and a taste of the islands.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Step 2: Add pineapple chunks on top of the chicken.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce over the chicken and pineapple in the crockpot.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Step 6: Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Step 7: Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the crockpot. Cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken.
- Step 8: Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks for a brighter taste or canned pineapple if fresh is unavailable.
- Add sliced bell peppers or onions in step 2 for added texture and sweetness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and may add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed until the chicken is tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
PrintSweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish featuring chicken breasts slow-cooked with pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with a sweet and tangy tropical sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep. The sauce is thickened towards the end with a cornstarch slurry for the perfect glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Chicken and Pineapple
- 2 pounds chicken breast
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot to create an even layer.
- Add pineapple: Spoon the pineapple chunks evenly on top of the chicken to infuse fruity sweetness during cooking.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Pour sauce over chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and pineapple in the crockpot.
- Slow cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken breasts directly in the crockpot for easy mixing with the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot. Switch the crockpot to high and cook uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
- Combine and serve: Return the shredded chicken fully into the thickened sauce and stir well. Serve hot with rice or your choice of sides.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.
- To keep it gluten free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat if preferred.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipe, pineapple chicken, sweet chicken recipe, easy crockpot dinner
