Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken: A Tropical Slow-Cooked Delight (Print version)

Tender slow-cooked chicken in a sweet pineapple-soy sauce with bell peppers, ginger, garlic, and a glossy finish.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts

02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

04 - 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

05 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

06 - 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

07 - 1 can (20 oz / 565 g) pineapple chunks in juice, juice reserved

For the sauce

08 - 1 cup (240 ml) reserved pineapple juice

09 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce

10 - 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar

11 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

12 - 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

14 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch

15 - 2 tablespoons cold water

For serving

16 - Cooked jasmine rice or white rice

17 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

18 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

# Instructions:

01 - Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt and black pepper. Place it in the slow cooker with the onion, bell peppers, and drained pineapple chunks.

02 - In a bowl, whisk the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until the sugar mostly dissolves.

03 - Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F and is tender enough to shred.

04 - Whisk the cornstarch with cold water. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker sauce, set the cooker to high, and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes until glossy.

05 - Shred the chicken with two forks or cut it into chunks. Stir it back through the thickened sauce so every piece is coated.

06 - Spoon the Hawaiian chicken over cooked rice. Finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

# Good to know:

01 - Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture.

02 - For gluten-free servings, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

03 - Keep the lid closed during cooking so the slow cooker holds steady heat.

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