This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tasty dish that brings tropical flavor right to your table! Made with tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and a tasty sauce, it’s a hit for everyone.
Cooking it in the crockpot makes it super simple! I love how the chicken just falls apart and goes perfectly with rice. Plus, your house will smell amazing while it cooks! 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, chicken thighs work well too, as they stay moist during cooking. You can also use frozen chicken; just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple both work! I prefer canned for convenience. If you want a low-sugar option, use sliced or fresh pineapple to cut down on added sugars.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives a great flavor. For a gluten-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos. If you’re watching your salt intake, look for low-sodium soy sauce to keep it tasty without the extra salt.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to the dish. If you need an alternative, maple syrup or honey can be used. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference!
How Do I Get The Chicken to Be Extra Tender?
The key to tender chicken in this recipe is cooking it low and slow! Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start with the right heat setting: Use low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Don’t lift the lid too often while it cooks; this lets heat escape.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking before shredding it. This helps it retain moisture.
Following these steps will give you beautifully tender chicken that soaks up all the delicious pineapple sauce. Enjoy! 🍍
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 (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white rice or steamed vegetables, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This super easy recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time in your crockpot. You can cook it on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, making it great for busy days. With minimal active time, you can set it and forget it while you do your thing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they fit snugly without overlapping to cook evenly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until the brown sugar is well dissolved—this is where the flavor magic starts!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour your delicious sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Next, sprinkle those tasty pineapple chunks over the top. It’s like a tropical party in there!
4. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be fully cooked and very tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, take out the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. They should fall apart easily! Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, giving it a good stir to coat with the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water together to form a slurry. Stir this into your crockpot sauce, cover it up, and let it cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish the Hawaiian chicken over warm cooked rice or alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal. If you like, sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for that extra flair!
Enjoy your sweet, tangy, and easy Hawaiian chicken! It’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ for Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be sure to add an extra hour of cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender. It’s best to cook on low rather than high to avoid uneven cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, try tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. These will still provide a savory flavor to the dish without compromising on taste.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance. Just place the chicken and sauce ingredients in the crockpot, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place it directly in the crockpot and cook as usual for delicious results!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
