This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a treat! Made with juicy chicken, a sweet pineapple sauce, and savory soy sauce, it’s a perfect mix of flavors to enjoy.
Simply toss everything in the crockpot, and let it do the work while you relax. I love serving it over rice for an easy dinner—who doesn’t enjoy a sweet and tasty meal? 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish, but you can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor. They won’t dry out as easily in the crockpot.
Pineapple Juice: A must-have for the sweet and tropical flavor. If you’re out, orange juice can work in a pinch for a slightly different taste. Pineapple juice from a can is also perfect.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. To cut back on refined sugar, you can use honey or coconut sugar instead, but keep in mind that this might change the flavor a bit.
Soy Sauce: It gives that umami taste. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos are a good alternative with a slightly different sweetness.
Bell Pepper: It’s optional but adds color and crunch. Feel free to use any color or leave it out if you prefer a simpler dish.
How Do You Keep the Chicken from Getting Dry?
Prepping chicken perfectly in a crockpot can be tricky! The key to juicy chicken is cooking it on low heat. Here’s how:
- Start with fresh or thawed chicken—never frozen for even cooking.
- Cooking on low for 4-6 hours allows flavors to develop while keeping the meat tender. High heat may cook it faster but risks drying it out.
- Check the internal temperature—165°F is the goal. Once it’s done, shred or slice it immediately to maintain moisture.
How Do You Thicken the Sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, it’s easy to adjust! Here’s the technique:
- Remove the chicken and vegetables from the crockpot and set aside.
- Mix cornstarch with water until it forms a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the remaining sauce in the crockpot.
- Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. This gives a glossy finish to your sauce!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious and juicy Hawaiian chicken dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 small bell pepper (red or green), sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires 4 to 6 hours to cook on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. It’s super easy to set and forget, making it perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure to lay them flat so they cook evenly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Mix everything well until the brown sugar is dissolved.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sweet sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
4. Add Pineapple and Bell Pepper:
Next, sprinkle the drained pineapple chunks on top of the chicken, and if you like, add sliced bell pepper for color and sweetness.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender when done.
6. Optional Thickening:
If you enjoy a thicker sauce, after cooking, remove the chicken and vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce left in the crockpot and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken it up.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tender chicken and delicious sauce over a bed of cooked white rice. For an extra touch, sprinkle on some sliced green onions or sesame seeds as garnish.
Enjoy a flavorful, sweet, and easy Hawaiian-inspired crockpot chicken dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking from frozen might require additional time.
How Can I Make It Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a squirt of sriracha or hot sauce before cooking. Fresh diced chili peppers can also be added along with the bell pepper for extra spice.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, you can use coconut aminos for a sweeter, gluten-free option. Alternatively, you can use tamari if you need a gluten-free version, as it has a similar taste to soy sauce.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
This FAQ should help guide you through any common questions that may arise when making your Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken! Enjoy cooking! 🍍
