Description
Hawaiian paradise meets comfort food in this succulent sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken that sings with tropical flavors. Juicy chicken pieces marinate in a tangy-sweet sauce, promising a quick dinner solution that transports you to island bliss with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 lbs chicken thighs
Sauces and Liquids:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
Produce and Spices:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse and pat dry the chicken breasts and thighs, preparing them for a flavorful slow-cooking adventure.
- Mince the garlic and ginger, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the dish with bold, aromatic notes.
- In the crockpot, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently nestle the chicken pieces into the liquid mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the sweet and tangy marinade.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper over the chicken, distributing the seasonings evenly for maximum flavor penetration.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the chicken to simmer and tenderize for 4-5 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add fresh pineapple chunks to introduce bursts of tropical sweetness and texture.
- Remove the chicken and transfer to a serving platter, reserving the cooking liquid in the crockpot.
- Whisk cornstarch into the remaining liquid to create a luscious, glossy sauce that will cling perfectly to the meat.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken, garnishing with chopped green onions for a vibrant, fresh finish.
- Serve hot, allowing the sweet Hawaiian flavors to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
Notes
- Perfectly tenderize chicken by patting it completely dry before seasoning, which helps achieve a better sear and deeper flavor absorption.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting spices like adding red pepper flakes or sriracha for those craving extra kick without overwhelming the sweet Hawaiian profile.
- Transform this recipe into a low-carb option by replacing brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serving over cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice.
- Maximize meal prep efficiency by preparing the sauce mixture the night before and storing it in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg