Description
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delightful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a tropical pineapple sauce with brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices. Perfect for an easy, flavorful meal served over rice or noodles, this recipe brings a taste of the islands to your table with minimal prep and maximum comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker to create the base of the dish.
- Make the Pineapple Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (undrained), 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to blend the sweet and savory flavors.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the pineapple mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully cooked through.
- Remove Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set them aside to prepare the sauce.
- Prepare Thickening Slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until smooth to create a slurry which will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the cooking juices, stirring well to combine and begin thickening the sauce.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the chicken back into the slow cooker, cover, and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Shred or Leave Whole: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks if desired, or leave the breasts whole depending on your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with optional sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Cooking times vary depending on slow cooker model; adjust accordingly to ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- For a lower-sodium option, choose low-sodium soy sauce.
- Shredding the chicken helps it absorb more sauce, but whole breasts work well for a more rustic presentation.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complement this sweet and savory dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
