This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a winner! With tender chicken, a sweet and tangy sauce, and pineapple chunks, it’s like a mini vacation on your plate.
I love how the slow cooker does all the work. Just toss in the ingredients, relax, and enjoy the yummy smells wafting through your home. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless thighs for extra moisture, but breasts work too. You can even use cooked rotisserie chicken; just add it later to avoid overcooking.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple gives a vibrant flavor, but canned ones are super convenient. Just make sure to drain them to reduce extra liquid in the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is great, but if you’re low-sodium-minded, use that instead. You can also switch to tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works for added sweetness. If you prefer, you can substitute honey or maple syrup, just note these may change the sauce’s texture slightly.
Rice Vinegar: It’s optional but adds a lovely tang. You can replace it with apple cider vinegar or omit it if you prefer. A squeeze of lime juice does the trick too!
How Do I Thicken the Sauce Just Right?
The sauce’s thickness is key for great flavor. About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. This can help create a thicker sauce without clumps.
- Keep the sauce covered while cooking on HIGH to help it reduce.
- Stir the slurry into the crockpot, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, giving it time to thicken to your liking.
This method avoids a watery sauce, enhancing that sweet Hawaiian flavor that wraps around your rice beautifully!
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional for tanginess)
For Thickening:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 4-6 hours of slow cooking on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH. It’s perfect for when you want to set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
Start by placing the chicken chunks in the bottom of your crockpot. Then, add the pineapple chunks and chopped red bell pepper right over the top. This combination of ingredients brings a burst of flavor that makes this dish unique!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, water, and minced garlic. If you’re using rice vinegar, add that too. This sweet and savory sauce is what makes the chicken so tasty!
3. Combine Everything in the Crockpot:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. Make sure everything is nicely coated in that delicious sauce.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for about 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and fully cooked through. It’s the perfect dish for busy days when you want to come home to a warm meal!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with the cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot sauce to thicken it up. If you haven’t already set your crockpot to HIGH, do that now to help the sauce thicken!
6. Final Touch:
Let the sauce cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. This gives it time to thicken to your preferred consistency. Yum!
7. Serve and Garnish:
When you’re ready to eat, serve the Hawaiian chicken hot over a bed of cooked white rice. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a vibrant garnish. It’s not just delicious; it looks fabulous too!
Enjoy your tender, sweet, and tangy Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken—it’s a perfect, easy meal for any day of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to increase the cooking time. On LOW, it may take about 6-8 hours, while on HIGH, it might take 3-4 hours. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or ketchup. You could also add a splash of lime juice or vinegar to balance the flavors if it’s too sweet.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This Hawaiian chicken is delicious served over white rice, but you can also try it with quinoa, rice noodles, or even steamed veggies for a healthier option! It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides.
