Nothing beats a delicious home-cooked meal that requires minimal effort. If you love crock pot chicken recipes, then this Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken is the perfect dish for you! Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with a delightful blend of sweet and tangy pineapple, savory soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar—all slow-cooked to perfection. Sounds tempting, right?
Let’s dive into this irresistible chicken recipe that will make your dinner planning a breeze!
Table of contents
- 1. What is Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken?
- 2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 3. Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- 5. Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken
- 6. Serving Suggestions
- 7. Best Sides to Serve With This Dish
- 8. How to Store and Reheat
- 9. Variations & Substitutions
- 10. Can You Make It in an Instant Pot?
- 11. Nutritional Information
- 12. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 13. FAQs
1. What is Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken?
Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken is a slow-cooked dish that combines chicken, pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar for a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The crock pot does all the work, making this an effortless yet satisfying meal!
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for an easy-to-make meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with rice, noodles, or even as a sandwich filling.
- Family-Friendly: A perfect meal for both kids and adults!
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
4. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour Over Chicken: Evenly distribute the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): Mix cornstarch with water and add it to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy! Garnish with green onions and serve with rice or noodles.
5. Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken
- Use fresh pineapple for a natural sweetness.
- Don’t overcook; chicken should be tender, not dry.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight before slow cooking.
Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken
Equipment
- Crock-Pot or Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice fresh or canned
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/3 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 2 tbsp water for cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the Crock-Pot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the Crock-Pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Optional: To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the Crock-Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and stir well to coat with the sauce.
- Serve hot with rice, garnished with pineapple chunks or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
6. Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
- Steamed white or jasmine rice
- Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Grilled vegetables
7. Best Sides to Serve With This Dish
- Coconut Rice: Complements the tropical flavors.
- Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Enhances the sweet undertones.
8. How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
9. Variations & Substitutions
- Use Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Swap Soy Sauce for Teriyaki: A deeper, richer umami taste.
10. Can You Make It in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Simply pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes, then let it naturally release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
11. Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 5g |
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This step ensures a thick, glossy sauce.
- Overcooking: Stick to the recommended cooking time.
- Using too much sugar: Balance is key for the perfect flavor.
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13. FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just extend the cooking time by an additional 1-2 hours on low.
2. What can I use instead of pineapple?
Mango or orange juice works as a great substitute!
3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
4. How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar by half or add a splash of lime juice.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just ensure your crock pot is large enough to handle the extra volume.
This Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken is the ultimate go-to recipe for a hassle-free, flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re meal-prepping, serving a crowd, or just looking for dinner ideas, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table! 🍍🍗
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Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken – Easy & Delicious