This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tasty meal that cooks itself! With juicy chicken, pineapple, and a touch of soy sauce, it’s full of flavor without much effort.
It’s perfect for busy days since all you do is toss in the ingredients and let it simmer. I love serving it over rice for a tropical treat that everyone enjoys! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they stay juicy and cook evenly. If you’re looking for a change, chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute. They add extra flavor and moisture!
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple is delicious if you have it, but canned works well too! Just make sure to drain it to keep the sweetness balanced. If you want to avoid pineapple, try swapping it for mango or another tropical fruit.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is preferred to keep it from being too salty. Tamari is a great gluten-free option if you need that. Coconut aminos can also be used as a milder alternative.
Brown Sugar: While light brown sugar gives a nice depth of flavor, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different sweet touch. Just adjust according to your taste!
Bell Peppers: These are optional but add a lovely crunch and color. If you don’t have them, you can easily skip them or try other veggies like snap peas or even carrots.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Chicken?
To ensure your chicken comes out tender and fully cooked, it’s important to monitor the cooking time. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours is ideal for the best flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, the high setting will do the trick in about 3-4 hours, but be cautious not to overcook.
- Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding or slicing; this helps retain moisture.
If using cornstarch to thicken the sauce, mix it with water first and add it towards the end of the cooking time. This way, it won’t clump and will create a smooth texture for your sauce!
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for mixing with cornstarch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook. All you need to do is set it up in the morning or right before dinner, and the crockpot will do the rest for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is the base for your delicious meal!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves nicely into the liquid. This makes a tasty sauce that will add flavor to your chicken.
3. Assemble Your Dish:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Then, add the pineapple chunks and optional chopped bell peppers on top for a beautiful and colorful dish.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all those wonderful flavors during this time!
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, carefully remove the cooked chicken once it’s done and keep it warm. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
6. Season and Serve:
Once done, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked white rice, spooning the sweet Hawaiian sauce and pineapple over the top for extra flavor!
7. Garnish:
For a little extra flair, finish off with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your effortless and delicious Hawaiian crockpot chicken! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, make sure to adjust the cooking time. When using frozen chicken breasts, cook on high for about 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. This will ensure they cook through safely and fully.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture. You can also use a spicy soy sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before. Just mix the sauce and add it to the chicken in the crockpot, then store it in the fridge. In the morning, just plug in the crockpot and let it cook all day.
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.