This Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken is a yummy dish that’s both easy and tasty! The chicken cooks gently with sweet pineapple and soy sauce, creating a delightful flavor.
It’s perfect for busy days since you just throw it in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. I love serving it over rice—it’s like a mini vacation to Hawaii in every bite! 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish, but you can also use thighs for richer flavor. If you’re short on chicken, any cut of chicken will work—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a vibrant taste, but canned pineapple is quick and easy. If you’re watching sugar intake, use unsweetened pineapple. Mango can also substitute for a fun twist!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce reduces saltiness while preserving flavor. For a gluten-free option, try tamari. Coconut aminos is another alternative that offers a sweeter taste.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well. If you need a sugar alternative, try using honey or maple syrup—but adjust the quantities as these are sweeter.
How Do You Thicken the Sauce Perfectly?
Making a perfectly thickened sauce is key to enhancing your dish’s flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking the chicken, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside.
- Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. This will help avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Pour the slurry into the sauce and stir well.
- Turn the slow cooker to high and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. This step makes a huge difference!
Remember, patience is important. Let the sauce thicken gently—it will enhance that sweet Hawaiian flavor!
Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnish:
- sliced green onions
- sesame seeds
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and will cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. So grab a few minutes in the morning to set everything up, and you’ll have a fantastic dinner ready by evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by laying the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all that tasty sauce!
2. Make the Pineapple Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir everything well until the brown sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are nicely combined.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the pineapple sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure every piece of chicken is well coated. Then, cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Once your chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Increase the heat to high and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up nicely.
5. Final Touches:
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat it well in that thickened sauce. This is where the magic happens—your chicken will be juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sweet Hawaiian chicken over warm cooked rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fun garnish. Enjoy a taste of the tropics right at your table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them beforehand for even cooking. Thaw the chicken by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold-water method: submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour until thawed.
What Can I Use Instead of Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, orange juice or apple juice can provide a nice alternative. You could also add some extra soy sauce and a bit of honey or brown sugar to recreate a similar sweet flavor.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the night before. Just place everything in the slow cooker, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, set it to cook as instructed. It’ll be ready for dinner when you get home!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra water to maintain moisture. Enjoy your tropical flavor all over again!
