Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

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🍗 Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Description

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delicious tropical-inspired dish featuring tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made with pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. The long, slow cooking time infuses the chicken with irresistible island flavors, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

🧾 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks (with juice)

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, diced (optional)

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional, for color and flavor)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

  • 2 tbsp water (to mix with cornstarch)

  • 👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole (depending on preference).

  2. Combine Ingredients:
    In your slow cooker, add pineapple chunks (with juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and onion. Stir to combine.

  3. Add Chicken:
    Place the chicken pieces into the sauce mixture, coating evenly.

  4. Cook:

    • Low: 6–7 hours

    • High: 3–4 hours

  5. Optional Thickening Step:
    Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add to crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.

  6. Serve:
    Serve over steamed rice or with roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair.

🍽 Servings

  • Serves: 4–6 people

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup chicken with sauce

⚖️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 30 g
Fat 5 g
Carbohydrates 35 g
Sugar 25 g
Sodium 720 mg
Fiber 1 g

(Values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.)

🌺 Recipe Notes

  • You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned — just add ½ cup of water or pineapple juice.

  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.

  • If you like it spicy, add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes.

  • Great for meal prep — reheats beautifully and freezes well up to 3 months.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Don’t overcook the chicken — it should be tender but not mushy.

  • Add bell peppers or carrots in the last hour for extra color and nutrition.

  • To make it a complete meal, serve with jasmine rice or coconut rice.

  • Make it healthier by reducing the brown sugar or using honey instead.

🌿 Health Benefits

  • High in protein: Supports muscle repair and metabolism.

  • Contains vitamin C from pineapple — boosts immune health.

  • Low in fat: Ideal for a balanced diet.

  • Gluten-free friendly: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw first for even cooking and food safety.

Q2: Can I use pork or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Pork tenderloin or beef sirloin works great — just adjust cooking time slightly (add 30–60 minutes).

Q3: How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce brown sugar to ¼ cup or substitute with coconut sugar.

Q4: Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
Yes — cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release. Use the sauté mode to thicken the sauce afterward.

Q5: What sides go well with this?

  • Steamed jasmine rice

  • Stir-fried veggies

  • Roasted sweet potatoes

  • Hawaiian rolls

🏝 Final Thoughts

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed recipe that brings the tropical islands right to your dinner table. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite any night of the week!

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