This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the perfect blend of juicy chicken and tangy pineapple. It’s simple to prepare and fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma!
Just toss everything into the crockpot, let it slow cook, and enjoy a tasty meal with little effort. I like to serve it over rice—it soaks up all that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are juicy and easy to cook. You can swap them for thighs if you prefer dark meat. They add a richer flavor and stay moist during cooking.
Pineapple Chunks: Whether you use fresh or canned, pineapple is the star here. If fresh pineapple is out of season or not available, don’t hesitate to use canned. Just make sure to drain the juice first!
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth to the dish. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with tamari or liquid aminos.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness. If you’re looking for a vegan option, agave syrup or maple syrup works wonderfully.
Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics bring fantastic flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger are best, but you could use powdered if that’s all you have. Just remember that fresh usually packs more punch!
How Do You Get the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
A great sauce makes all the difference in this dish! To thicken the sauce for a perfect finish, follow these simple steps:
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. This creates a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the crockpot, mixing well with the sauce.
- Leave the lid off and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. This will help it thicken and become glossy.
Keep an eye on it; if you want a thicker sauce, you can always add a little more cornstarch mixed with water!
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 the canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time. Cooking will take approximately 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. Plus, if you choose to thicken the sauce, allow an additional 30 minutes for that process.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken.
Start by lightly seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Mix the Sauce.
In your crockpot, combine the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together into a delicious sauce.
3. Add the Chicken.
Next, add the seasoned chicken breasts directly into the crockpot, making sure they are nestled well in the sauce. If you’re using them, add the sliced red bell pepper and onion on top of the chicken for extra flavor and texture.
4. Cook.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If you want a slower cook, choose the low setting for 4-6 hours. For a faster option, select high and cook for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when done.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional).
If you’d like a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, mix together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot, leaving the lid off so it can thicken. Continue cooking for the remaining time.
6. Serve.
When it’s time to eat, serve the Hawaiian chicken over a bed of cooked white rice. This will help soak up all those wonderful flavors!
7. Garnish and Enjoy!
If desired, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your sweet and tangy Hawaiian crockpot chicken!
FAQ for Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for best results. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, simply combine everything in the crockpot, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Just add an extra hour or so to the cooking time if starting from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, making sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This chicken dish pairs beautifully with cooked white rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa or over a bed of steamed vegetables for a lighter option. Additionally, a side salad or coleslaw can complement the sweet flavors nicely!
