This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a treat for your taste buds! It features juicy chicken cooked slowly in a sweet and tangy sauce with pineapple. Yum!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it. Perfect for a busy day when you want something tasty without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are great for this recipe because they stay juicy while cooking. If you prefer chicken breasts, they can work too, but watch cooking time as they may dry out faster.
Pineapple Chunks: You can use fresh or canned pineapple. Fresh gives a brighter flavor, while canned is super convenient. If you want a different twist, try using mango or peaches for a unique sweetness.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor. You can opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Brown Sugar: This gives a wonderful caramel tone to the sauce. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can easily substitute it with white sugar and a little molasses if you have it.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or rice vinegar can serve as substitutes, though they might slightly change the flavor profile.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy While Cooking?
To keep your chicken tender and juicy, it’s key to use the slow cooker properly. Here’s how:
- **Season Well:** Don’t skip the salt and pepper. This helps boost flavor.
- **Cook on Low Heat:** Slow cooking on low for 6-7 hours is best for tenderness. If pressed for time, high heat for 3-4 hours works, but keep an eye to prevent dryness.
- **Shred at the End:** Shredding the chicken in the broth allows it to soak up flavor. Use two forks to pull apart the meat gently.
Following these tips will help ensure your chicken is moist and delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking experience!
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let the crockpot do the work for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can set it and forget it while the delicious flavors come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This sweet and tangy sauce is the star of the dish!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper in the crockpot. Make sure they are evenly coated so that every bite is flavorful.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Pour that delicious sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Next, add the pineapple chunks on top. The pineapple will add a lovely sweetness and help keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
4. Cook:
Cover your crockpot and choose to cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and super tender!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce. This will let the chicken soak up all that wonderful flavor!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your tasty chicken over a bed of rice or noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe! However, keep in mind that breasts can dry out more easily than thighs, so consider reducing the cooking time slightly or checking for doneness sooner. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will give you a similar savory flavor, just adjust the amount to taste, as they can be slightly less salty than regular soy sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Pineapple?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can leave it out or replace it with another fruit, like mango or even bell peppers, for a different twist. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist during reheating!
