This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tasty treat! With tender chicken cooked in a fruity sauce of pineapple and soy sauce, it’s a meal everyone will love.
Just toss everything in the crockpot, forget about it for a few hours, and let the magic happen. Pair it with rice for a complete, yummy dinner. Easy peasy! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they remain tender during cooking. You can use thighs for a richer flavor, or even swap for tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple adds a bright flavor, but canned works just as well. If you’re not a fan of pineapple, mango chunks or peach slices can be delightful substitutes.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead. Coconut aminos also provide a sweet soy-like flavor and are a great alternative.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount, as they might be more sweet than brown sugar.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a lively kick, but the ground version is convenient and works fine too. If you prefer, you can skip it or add a pinch of cinnamon for flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Tender in the Crockpot?
To keep your chicken juicy, it’s essential to cook it on low heat for a longer period. This slow cooking allows the chicken to break down nicely without drying out.
- Place the chicken in the crockpot first, as it cooks the most.
- Combine your sauce ingredients separately to ensure even coating.
- Do not open the lid during cooking; it lets heat escape and can extend cooking time.
Feel free to shred the chicken after cooking for a pulled chicken texture—it’s fantastic for serving over rice!
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 small bell pepper, sliced (for color and flavor)
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time. Then, you’ll need to let it cook in the crockpot for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. After that, it’s just a matter of thickening the sauce if you want, and serving it with rice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they’re arranged in an even layer to ensure they cook properly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir well until the brown sugar dissolves into the mixture. This is your sweet and tangy sauce!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well-covered. If you’re using sliced bell pepper, sprinkle it on top for added color and flavor.
4. Cook It:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender. You can occasionally check it if you like, but try not to open the lid too often.
5. Optional Sauce Thickening:
If you want a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken. Stir the sauce in the crockpot. Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then add it to the sauce. Let it cook uncovered on high for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
6. Final Touches:
Return the chicken to the sauce and coat it well with the flavorful mixture.
7. Serve:
Serve the Hawaiian chicken over a bed of cooked rice, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Dig in and enjoy your flavorful, easy Hawaiian crockpot chicken! 🍍
FAQ for Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it cooks for a bit longer—about 30-60 minutes more on high heat. However, thawing it overnight in the fridge is ideal for the best texture and flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Sugar?
To reduce sugar, you can cut the brown sugar in half or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that the sweetness balance will change, so adjust according to your taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm it gently on the stove, adding a little extra pineapple juice or water to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli. Just toss them in with the chicken and sauce for a colorful, nutritious boost!
