This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken will make your taste buds dance! It’s full of juicy chicken and a tasty blend of sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce, all cooked together.
You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the magic. It’s perfect served over rice, and trust me, your family will ask for seconds—maybe even thirds! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal since they cook evenly and absorb flavors well. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs also work nicely and can add juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time a bit!
Pineapple Juice: Canned pineapple juice is great because it’s sweet and easy to find. If you want to make it fresh, you can blend a ripe pineapple! Just keep in mind that fresh juice might change the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels without compromising flavor. You can substitute it with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, or use tamari if you’re looking for a wheat-free soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well here, depending on how rich you want the flavor. If you need a substitute, honey or maple syrup could work, but start with less as they are sweeter.
Pineapple Chunks: Reserve those canned pineapple chunks for added texture and sweetness! You could use fresh pineapple as well if you’re feeling adventurous — it’ll bring a bright, fresh flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Tender in the Crockpot?
The secret to perfectly tender chicken in a crockpot is all about timing and moisture. Here’s how to make sure your chicken is juicy:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, as they need the most heat.
- Cover the chicken completely with the sauce to lock in moisture. If the sauce is thick, you might want to add a bit more juice to ensure everything cooks properly.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. If you cook it too long, the chicken can become dry.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding or serving to help retain its juices.
With these tips and modifications, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs! Enjoy making this delicious crockpot chicken!
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably from canned pineapple)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice if needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional for color and flavor)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 4 to 6 hours of cook time on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat in the crockpot. So, it’s perfect for a busy day when you want a flavorful meal without the fuss!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all the yummy flavors.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a sweet and savory sauce.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Then, add the drained pineapple chunks and the diced bell pepper on top for extra color and flavor.
4. Cook It:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 2 to 3 hours. If you have a bit more time, cooking on low for 4 to 6 hours makes the chicken even more tender and flavorful!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the cooking liquid from the crockpot into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Serve It Up:
Return the chicken to the saucepan, coating it well with the thickened sauce. Serve the Hawaiian chicken over a bed of cooked white rice for a satisfying meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like!
Enjoy your flavorful, tender, and easy sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken! 🍍🍚
FAQ for Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s completely thawed before placing it in the crockpot for even cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or run it under cold water in a sealed plastic bag for a quicker method.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate everything separately. Just combine them in the crockpot and cook when you’re ready, adding a bit more cooking time if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You can add a splash of water to help maintain moisture when reheating!
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Yes! For a gluten-free version, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If you want to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use honey as a substitute. Feel free to adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand, like adding carrots or peas!
