why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy days since the slow cooker does all the work. The sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple paired with tender chicken create a delicious meal everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Directions:
- In your slow cooker, place the chicken thighs at the bottom.
- Add the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil on top of the chicken.
- Stir the ingredients to combine them well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add it to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix everything together and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
how to serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. You can also add steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal. This dish is great for family dinners or when you have guests over.
how to store Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and spices for an hour before cooking.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your taste.
- If you want a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
variation
You can switch chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut. Additionally, feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the slow cooker for added veggies.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just cook it in the slow cooker when you’re ready to eat.
What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
Jasmine rice or white rice works well, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option.
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Adjust sweetness as preferred
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the sauce
- 1 tablespoon water For mixing with cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- to taste sliced green onions (for garnish)
- as needed cooked rice (for serving) Jasmine or white rice is recommended
Instructions
Preparation
- In your slow cooker, place the chicken thighs at the bottom.
- Add the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil on top of the chicken.
- Stir the ingredients to combine them well.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add it to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix everything together and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serving
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.