This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tasty dish! It’s made with tender chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, featuring pineapple and soy sauce. Yummy!
I love how simple it is! Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax. It’s perfect for a busy day or a fun family dinner. 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier texture. Frozen chicken also works; just extend the cooking time a bit.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple chunks add great flavor, but canned works just fine too! If you want less sweetness, you can skip the pineapple or use fruits like mango or bell peppers.
Soy Sauce: This gives a nice salty flavor. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari or coconut aminos. For a lighter option, use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but start with slightly less since they’re sweeter.
Ketchup: It provides sweetness and tang. If you’re not a fan, you can use barbecue sauce instead for a different twist!
How Do I Get Tender Chicken in the Crockpot?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is super easy, but there are a few tips for making sure it turns out juicy and tender:
- Always cook on low heat if you have the time, as it allows the chicken to cook gently and prevents it from drying out.
- Keep the chicken breasts whole for even cooking. Shredding or cutting them before cooking can lead to overcooking.
- If using frozen chicken, add an extra hour to the cooking time and ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (75°C).
By following these tips, your Hawaiian chicken will be deliciously tender every time!
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 4 to 6 hours for cooking in the crockpot. Overall, you will spend a little time mixing and setting it up, then just let it simmer while you go about your day. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base for all the delicious flavors to soak into.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sliced onion, and ketchup. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will be your sweet and savory sauce!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is covered with that yummy sauce so it can soak in all the flavors as it cooks.
4. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be tender and fully cooked through.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch with the water to make a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot and turn the heat to high. Let it cook for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens up.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the delicious Hawaiian chicken over cooked rice. You can also garnish it with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a little extra flair. Enjoy your sweet and savory dish!
Have fun cooking and enjoy your Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken! 🍍
FAQ for Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Cooking on low will likely take about 6 to 8 hours to ensure the chicken cooks through thoroughly. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them in a saucepan over low heat. Adding a splash of pineapple juice can help keep the chicken moist when reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just take it out in the morning, set it to cook, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready by dinner time!
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Ingredients?
If you’re looking for substitutions, try using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. You can also swap out brown sugar for honey or maple syrup. For a different flavor, barbecue sauce can replace ketchup!
