Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

🍗 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.)

(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!