Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the tropics straight to your kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. As it slowly cooks in your slow cooker, the chicken becomes infused with the rich flavors and aromas of garlic and ginger, making it a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or just craving a taste of the islands, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Why We Love This Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
What makes this Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken a family favorite? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and a few hours later, you’ll have a flavorful dish ready to go. The combination of sweet pineapple juice and savory soy sauce creates a perfect balance that delights your taste buds. Plus, the vibrant colors from the bell peppers and pineapple chunks make it visually appealing. It’s nutritious, delicious, and perfectly pairs with rice or salad, making it versatile enough for any occasion!
Ingredients about Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken
To make Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Directions
Making Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken is a breeze! Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Combine Sauces: Start by pouring your pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture will serve as the flavorful sauce that envelops the chicken.
- Add Chicken: Next, place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the sauce. Ensure that each piece is well-coated in the sauce. This coating is what infuses the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
- Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let the chicken cook for about 5 hours. This slow cooking process helps break down the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
- Add Vegetables: Roughly 30 minutes before the chicken is finished cooking, stir in the bell pepper chunks and pineapple chunks. The bell pepper adds color and crunch, while the additional pineapple provides extra sweetness.
- Thicken Sauce: To give your sauce a more rich and thick texture, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker about 20 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken and vegetables.
- Final Cooking: Turn the heat setting of your slow cooker to high and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes. This will ensure that the sauce is perfectly thickened and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is cooked, serve your Sweet Hawaiian Chicken hot. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add a touch of flavor and presentation. You can serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken
When it comes to serving Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken, there are numerous ways to enjoy it. The most straightforward option is to serve it over a generous scoop of fluffy steamed rice. The rice beautifully absorbs the sweet sauce, balancing the dish perfectly. You can also pair it with a fresh garden salad for a lighter option, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal. Additionally, consider serving it in a warm tortilla wrap or even over quinoa for a twist. Garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall taste, making every bite a delight.
Expert Tips: Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken comes out perfect every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and ginger instead of pre-packaged options. Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor profile.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a low-sugar substitute. Taste the sauce before adding all the sugar to make adjustments.
- Chicken Options: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs due to their tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be mindful that they may cook faster and could become dry if overcooked.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and chicken the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just put everything into your slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free meal.
- Serving Ideas: For a complete meal, consider serving this chicken with roasted vegetables or some garlic bread on the side.
How to Store Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken
Storing your leftover Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken is simple. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within three to four days. You can also freeze portions of the chicken for longer storage. Just ensure you use a freezer-safe container or sealable freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Variation of Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken
While the classic Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Veggies: In addition to bell peppers and pineapple, try adding other colorful veggies such as snap peas, carrots, or broccoli. This not only enhances the flavor but boosts the nutritional value.
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick. This will create a delightful balance between sweet and spicy.
- Different Meats: Experiment with other proteins by using chicken drumsticks, thighs, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking times appropriately as each protein may require different cooking times.
- Serve with Noodles: Instead of rice, serve the chicken over a bed of rice noodles or soba noodles for a unique twist. The noodles will soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Tropical Addition: Feel free to incorporate other tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a sweeter flavor and added texture.
FAQ
What is Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken?
Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken is a tender chicken dish slow-cooked in a delicious sweet and savory sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices.
How long does it take to cook Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken?
It takes about 5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in a slow cooker to ensure the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and require careful monitoring to avoid drying out.
What can I serve with Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it in wraps or over noodles for a tasty twist.
How do I thicken the sauce for Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken?
You can thicken the sauce by mixing cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stirring this mixture into the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking process.
Sweet Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced Use fresh for better flavor
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced Use fresh for better flavor
- 1 medium bell pepper, cut into chunks Any color of bell pepper can be used
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
Thickening Mixture
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water To create a slurry
Garnish
- sesame seeds For garnish
- sliced green onions For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Pour the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger into the slow cooker. Stir until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Cooking
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for about 5 hours.
- 30 minutes before the chicken is done, stir in the bell pepper chunks and pineapple chunks.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker about 20 minutes before serving.
- Increase the heat setting to high and cook for another 20-30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Pair with rice or salad.
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