Description: A tropical-inspired, family-friendly meal that’s incredibly easy to make! This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken combines the savory goodness of chicken with the sweetness of pineapple and the tanginess of barbecue sauce, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s a vibrant dish bursting with flavor and is sure to become a new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained, juice reserved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Cooked Rice, for serving
- Optional Garnishes: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables. Ensure the chicken breasts or thighs are trimmed of any excess fat. Dice the red and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Open the can of pineapple chunks, drain the juice into a separate bowl (we’ll use this later), and set the pineapple chunks aside.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot. Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange the drained pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, and diced yellow bell pepper evenly over the chicken. The vegetables and pineapple will infuse the chicken with their flavors as it cooks.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Hawaiian Sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and the reserved pineapple juice. This sauce is the key to that perfect sweet and savory balance. Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved to avoid any gritty texture.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable with a fork when it’s done. Cooking on low results in more tender chicken, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works well too.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional). If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time (on high heat). This will help the sauce thicken and create a glossy, delicious coating for the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish. Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened (if desired), it’s time to serve. Spoon the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The crockpot does all the work, allowing you to set it and forget it. The combination of sweet pineapple, tangy barbecue sauce, and savory chicken creates a flavor explosion that will appeal to both kids and adults. It’s also a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and served in various ways. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients you might already have in your fridge! The recipe is easily doubled or tripled, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Serve in lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or sliders.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh salad.
- Serve with a side of coconut rice for an extra tropical twist.
- Make a Hawaiian pizza topping.
Tips:
- Use chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful dish.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking, depending on your preference for sweetness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If the sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- If you like other vegetables, consider adding them; onions, carrots, zucchini, and so on can be added.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (on high)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg (depending on the sodium content of your barbecue sauce and soy sauce)
Conclusion
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken that everyone will love. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, toss them in the crockpot, and let the magic happen!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
- It’s generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a crockpot due to food safety concerns. The chicken may not reach a safe internal temperature quickly enough, which can increase the risk of bacterial growth. It’s best to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Place all the ingredients in the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Thicken the sauce using the cornstarch slurry, if desired, using the sauté function.
- What if I don’t have pineapple juice for the sauce?
- If you don’t have reserved pineapple juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or chicken broth. This will still provide some moisture and enhance the flavor of the sauce. You can also add a little extra brown sugar to compensate for the lack of sweetness from the pineapple juice.
- Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables that you enjoy. Some great additions include sliced onions, carrots, zucchini, or even some chunks of fresh mango for an extra tropical flavor. Add them to the crockpot along with the bell peppers.
- How can I make this recipe healthier?
- To make this recipe healthier, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and a sugar-free barbecue sauce. You can also increase the amount of vegetables and serve the chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice. Using chicken breasts instead of thighs will also reduce the fat content.
