Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken
Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked meal bursting with tropical pineapple sweetness and savory soy sauce notes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and a delectably balanced sauce. Minimal prep and maximum taste make it a family-friendly and healthy comfort food that pairs well with rice, noodles, or veggies.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Produce
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh preferred)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ½ cup pineapple juice (optional, can reduce brown sugar if using)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the bell peppers, mince the garlic cloves, and gather pineapple chunks and chicken breasts. Ensure everything is cut into uniform sizes to promote even cooking and flavor melding.
- Mix Sauce Components: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and pineapple juice (if using) until well blended, creating a sweet and savory Hawaiian glaze.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add pineapple chunks, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic evenly on top. Pour the prepared sauce over all ingredients, making sure everything is coated thoroughly.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the crockpot on low heat and cook for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows chicken to become tender and soak up the tropical flavors thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: When cooking is complete, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the dish for color and fresh bite. Serve the Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken over rice, noodles, or vegetables as desired.
Notes
- Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for lean, tender results with minimal grease.
- Slow cook on low to avoid dry, overcooked chicken.
- Fresh pineapple chunks enhance flavor and texture far better than canned.
- If you want a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch and water slurry near the end of cooking.
- Prep the night before by layering ingredients in the crockpot insert, covering, and refrigerating, then cook in the morning for convenience.
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you prefer richer flavor and juiciness.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Incorporate extra veggies like carrots, snap peas, or zucchini to boost nutrition.
- Use pineapple juice in place of some brown sugar for a lighter, juicier sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Pineapple Chicken, Easy Dinner, Gluten-Free Hawaiian Chicken, Family Friendly Chicken Recipe