Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a super easy and tasty meal that brings a bit of the tropics to your table. You just toss everything into your crockpot and let it cook until the chicken is tender and the flavors have blended perfectly. It’s got juicy chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, and colorful bell peppers all mixed in a delicious sauce. Serve it over some rice, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something simple yet satisfying.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table. This dish features tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks all cooked in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty dish.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides the protein base for the dish.
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice): Adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds color and crunch.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand): Adds a smoky and savory flavor to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami taste.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Adds a zesty, fresh flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.
- Cooked rice, for serving: Complements the flavorful chicken and sauce.
- Chopped green onions, for garnish: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: Adds a nutty, toasty flavor and a bit of texture.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Step 2:
- Add the pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper on top of the chicken.
- Step 3:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Step 5:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 6:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Step 7:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Step 8:
- Stir everything together and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Step 9:
- Serve the sweet Hawaiian chicken over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks if available for a more natural and vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste preference.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Chef Ina Garten recommends letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after shredding to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Chef Jamie Oliver advises adding a splash of lime juice before serving for an extra burst of freshness.