This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tasty meal that combines chicken with a delightful blend of pineapple and teriyaki sauce. It’s super simple—just toss everything in the slow cooker!
Trust me, your house will smell amazing while it’s cooking! I love serving this on warm rice or with some crispy veggies on the side. It’s a fun twist for dinner and kid-friendly, too! 🍍🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here since they cook evenly and stay moist. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple brings a bright taste, but canned works just as well. Just make sure to drain it. You can also swap pineapple for mango for a different twist!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option, helping to keep the dish less salty. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos for a similar taste without the soy.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness, but you can use honey or maple syrup instead if you want a different flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount since they can be sweeter!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy and Tender?
The trick to juicy chicken in the crockpot is the cooking time and method. Make sure to:
- Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. High heat can dry out the chicken.
- If possible, avoid removing the lid while cooking to maintain moisture.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.
If you want a thicker sauce, remember the optional cornstarch step! This also helps create a nice coating for your chicken.
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll let the crockpot do its magic for 4-6 hours on low. So, a total of around 4 hours and 10 minutes! With minimal fuss, you’ll have a flavorful meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. You want to ensure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This sauce will be sweet and savory!
3. Add the Sauce to Chicken:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts in your crockpot, being sure to cover them evenly. Then, sprinkle the pineapple chunks on top. Yum!
4. Start Cooking:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender—you can easily shred it with a fork!
5. Optional Thickening of Sauce:
If you like a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken and keep it warm. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the crockpot, then cook on high for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens up nicely. Stir occasionally to avoid lumps.
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat it well with the thickened sauce. Serve the Hawaiian chicken over warm cooked rice and don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Enjoy your sweet and savory Hawaiian crockpot chicken!
FAQ About Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken, place it directly in the crockpot, but increase the cooking time to 6-8 hours on low to ensure it cooks thoroughly. Make sure it’s fully thawed before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No problem! You can substitute with orange juice for a different but tasty flavor combination. You can also dilute a little water with a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity of pineapple juice, if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken the night before and store them separately in the fridge. Simply combine them in the crockpot and cook in the morning for a delicious meal ready when you get home!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy your meal again!
