Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe is perfect for those who want to save time. It's easy to make, full of tropical flavors, and ideal for busy people and families. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and tender chicken makes this dish a delicious and effortless meal prepared in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup pineapple juice from a 6 oz mini can
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening the sauce
- Optional Add-ons
- 1.5 cups fresh pineapple chunks added during the final hour
- 1.5 cups diced red bell pepper added during the final hour
- Sliced carrots
- Chopped onions
- Substitution Options
- Honey instead of brown sugar
- Tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option
- Garlic powder instead of minced garlic
- Agave syrup instead of hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Preparation Steps:
- Cube the chicken and dice optional vegetables.
- Mix BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients and ensure everything is well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-2.5 hours.
- Baste occasionally for better flavor absorption.
- In the last 15 minutes, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist.
- Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or snap peas.
- Serve on toasted Hawaiian buns for a fun sandwich option.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it in the last 15 minutes. Leaving the lid off for the final minutes also helps thicken the sauce.
- For enhanced flavor: Add 1-inch fresh ginger and 2 cloves of garlic to deepen the taste.
- For a gluten-free version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- For a low-sugar version: Replace brown sugar with Stevia or reduce the sugar amount.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.