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.