This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a real treat! With tender chicken cooked in a tasty mix of pineapple and soy sauce, dinner is a breeze.
Perfect for busy days, just toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do all the work. The sweet and tangy flavors make it a favorite at family meals!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. If you’re in a rush, you can use thighs instead; they add more flavor. Just make sure they’re boneless, too!
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple adds bright flavor, but canned works well for convenience. Ensure it’s in juice, not syrup, to keep it on the lighter side. You can also try mandarin oranges for a twist!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives excellent flavor, but you can swap it with low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier substitute, use honey or coconut sugar. Just reduce the amount slightly, as they can be sweeter than brown sugar.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Crockpot Chicken?
The key to great flavor in this dish is in how you prepare your sauce. Mix your soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar thoroughly. Let the chicken soak in those flavors all day for maximum taste.
- After placing the chicken in the crockpot, pour the sauce mixture evenly over it.
- Adding garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes provides depth; don’t skip these!
- For a more structured taste, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
Enjoy your delicious tropical chicken that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! It’s so simple, and you’ll love how easy it is to make!
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. So, you can set it and forget it, making it a perfect meal for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they’re laid out flat to cook evenly.
2. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and, if you’d like, ground ginger and red pepper flakes. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. This will be your delicious sauce!
3. Pouring the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. This will give the chicken great flavor as it cooks.
4. Adding Fruits and Veggies:
Next, sprinkle the pineapple chunks, sliced onion, and bell pepper over the chicken and sauce. These will add even more flavor and texture to your dish!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and fully cooked through.
6. Optional Thickening:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, take the chicken and veggies out and place them in a serving dish. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the remaining juices in the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
7. Serving the Dish:
Serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of cooked rice. Don’t forget to drizzle some of that tasty sauce on top!
8. Final Touches:
For a lovely finish, garnish your dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. It’s all about presentation!
Enjoy this easy, flavorful Hawaiian-inspired crockpot meal that’s sweet, savory, and always comforting!
FAQ for Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. To thaw quickly, seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Always ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Alternatively, coconut aminos can be used for a different flavor profile that’s lower in sodium.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce for extra heat. You can also serve the dish with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Feel free to ask more questions if you need further guidance! Enjoy your cooking!
