Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delightful and easy slow-cooker dish that infuses tender chicken with tropical flavors of pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a deliciously sweet and tangy meal that your whole family will enjoy.

A close-up view of a savory dish in a white bowl filled with glossy, dark brown chunks of meat mixed with bright orange pieces of cooked vegetables, possibly carrots or bell peppers. The dish is coated in a thick, shiny sauce that looks sticky and well-seasoned, with small green herb leaves sprinkled on top for color contrast. The texture of the sauce is smooth and rich, covering the layers of tender meat and soft vegetables evenly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the dish's warm, inviting colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken breast
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Step 2: Add the pineapple chunks on top of the chicken.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and pineapple in the crockpot.
  5. Step 5: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks on a cutting board.
  7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot.
  8. Step 8: Cover and cook on high for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  9. Step 9: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stir well to coat with sauce, and serve over rice or with your favorite side dish.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for the brightest flavor.
  • Adjust the brown sugar amount to make it more or less sweet according to your taste.
  • Marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight for deeper flavors before slow cooking.
  • Shred the chicken while it’s hot to better absorb the sauce.
  • Try fresh pineapple or different canned pineapple varieties to vary the taste.

Storage

Store leftover Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, labeling with the date. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a richly sauced stir-fry dish. The bottom layer consists of glossy chunks of tender chicken and soft pieces of yellow bell pepper, all coated in a thick, shiny, dark brown sauce that glistens under the light. Scattered fresh green herbs add a pop of color on top, giving a fresh contrast to the glossy sauce and warm ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?

Yes, you can start with frozen chicken, but increase the slow cooking time by about an hour to ensure it cooks through properly.

What should I serve with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or fresh steamed vegetables. It also works well in tacos or lettuce wraps for a fun variation.

Print

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delightful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and ginger. This easy-to-make recipe brings tropical flavors to your dinner table with minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or with fresh sides to enjoy a delicious meal everyone will love.

  • Author: Nethan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pineapple

  • 2 pounds chicken breast
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Thickening Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of the crockpot, making sure they are arranged evenly for consistent cooking.
  2. Add Pineapple: Spread the pineapple chunks evenly on top of the chicken breasts to infuse the dish with sweet tropical flavor.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until fully combined to create the flavorful sauce.
  4. Combine Everything: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and pineapple in the crockpot to ensure all pieces are coated.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
  6. Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces to allow better absorption of the sauce.
  7. Thicken Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the crockpot sauce and stir well to combine, then cover again.
  8. Final Cook: Cook on high for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to thicken the sauce to a rich, luscious consistency.
  9. Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stir it into the thickened sauce, and serve warm over steamed rice or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your preferred sweetness level.
  • Marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Shred the chicken while it is hot to help it soak up more sauce.
  • Stir the cornstarch mixture thoroughly when adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Experiment with fresh or canned pineapple for different flavor profiles.
  • Do not overcrowd the crockpot; stick to the recommended chicken amount for even cooking.
  • Do not skip the cornstarch step to avoid a watery sauce.

Keywords: Sweet Hawaiian Chicken, Crockpot Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Pineapple Chicken, Easy Hawaiian Recipe, Crockpot Dinner, Tropical Chicken

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