Sweet Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple and Bell Peppers (Print version)

Tender slow cooker chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, ginger, garlic, and a glossy sweet-savory sauce for serving over rice.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 2 lb (900 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 can (20 oz or 565 g) pineapple chunks in juice, drained with 1 cup juice reserved
03 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

For the sauce

05 - 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce
06 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) soy sauce
07 - 1/4 cup (55 g) packed brown sugar, or less to taste
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For thickening and serving

11 - 1/4 cup (32 g) cornstarch
12 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water
13 - Cooked white rice, for serving
14 - 2 green onions, sliced
15 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

# Instructions:

01 - Place the chicken in an even layer in a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. Season lightly with black pepper.
02 - Scatter the drained pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper over the chicken.
03 - Whisk the reserved pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until combined.
04 - Pour the sauce over the chicken, pineapple, and peppers. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
05 - Transfer the chicken to a plate and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
06 - Stir the cornstarch and cold water together until smooth. Add the slurry to the slow cooker, stir well, and cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes until glossy and thickened.
07 - Spoon the chicken, pineapple, peppers, and sauce over hot rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

# Good to know:

01 - Use pineapple packed in juice, not heavy syrup, for better balance.
02 - For gluten-free servings, use gluten-free soy sauce and barbecue sauce.
03 - Best served over rice while the sauce is hot and glossy.

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