Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Introduction
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that brings the flavors of the islands right to your kitchen. With juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. The best part? You can set it in the crockpot and forget about it until it’s time to eat!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. It requires minimal prep time and cooks in the crockpot, allowing you to focus on other tasks or enjoy some downtime. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a tropical twist to your dinner table.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Making Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is simple. Follow these easy steps to prepare a meal that your family will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
- Prepare the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of the crockpot. Instructions Here
- Add pineapple: Place the pineapple chunks on top of the chicken. Instructions Here
- Make sauce mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Instructions Here
- Combine sauce and chicken: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and pineapple in the crockpot. Instructions Here
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Instructions Here
- Shred chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat. Instructions Here
- Make cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Instructions Here
- Thicken the sauce: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the crockpot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken. Instructions Here
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce. Instructions Here
- Serve: Serve the sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken over rice or with your favorite side dish. Instructions Here
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This dish is best served over fluffy white rice or with steamed vegetables. You can also pair it with a side salad or Hawaiian rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Tips to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- For more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to add bell peppers or broccoli for some extra veggies.
- If you like it spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Variation
You can easily make this dish with pork instead of chicken for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Can I add other fruits?
Yes, adding sliced bell peppers or mango can enhance the tropical flavor of this dish.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Enjoy making and savoring your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken!
