This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a real treat! With juicy chicken cooked in a tasty sauce made of pineapple and soy sauce, you won’t believe how simple it is to make!
It’s a perfect dish for busy days. Just toss everything in the crockpot, and let it work its magic. The sweet smell will have everyone rushing to the dinner table! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used as well. Just add it to the sauce for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple is convenient for this recipe, but if you prefer fresh, feel free to use fresh pineapple chunks. You could also use pineapple slices and cut them into chunks!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds saltiness and flavor, but if you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative. You could even try coconut aminos for a soy-free version!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a lovely sweetness to the dish. If you’re out, you can use white sugar or honey as a substitute, although honey will give a slightly different flavor.
Ground Ginger: If you don’t have ground ginger, fresh ginger is also a good option. Just grate about a teaspoon and add it to the sauce mixture.
How Do I Get the Sauce to Thicken Properly?
An important step in this recipe is thickening the sauce to get that perfect consistency. Here’s how to do it:
- After you’ve cooked the chicken, pour the sauce from the crockpot into a saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, which will help activate the cornstarch when you add it.
- Make sure to mix the cornstarch with equal parts of cold water first. This helps prevent lumps.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. As you stir, it should start to thicken up quickly. Keep stirring for a few minutes!
Using this method ensures a smooth and delicious sauce that clings to the chicken perfectly! Enjoy this easy and flavorful dish!
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (reserve the juice)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening sauce)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cooks for 4 to 6 hours in the crockpot. Perfect for a busy day! Just set it and forget it, then enjoy a delightful meal when you come home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out evenly so they cook nicely.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ketchup, and ground ginger (if using). Stir everything well until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are nicely combined.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the pineapple chunks and the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring that the chicken is covered well.
4. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and set it aside to keep warm. Pour the sauce and pineapple mixture from the crockpot into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Coat the Chicken:
Return the chicken to the saucepan and stir to coat it in the thickened sauce.
8. Serve:
Spoon the Hawaiian chicken over servings of cooked white rice. If you like, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s important to thaw them first for even cooking. You can thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
What Can I Use Instead of Pineapple Chunks?
If you don’t have pineapple chunks, you can substitute them with diced fresh pineapple or even canned pineapple rings cut into chunks. Just make sure to include some of the juice for flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a sugar substitute like honey. Just remember that adjustments may slightly change the overall flavor.
