Description
Hawaiian-inspired crockpot chicken brings tropical flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Juicy chicken pieces marinate in a tangy-sweet sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor until the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup diced ham
Fruits and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 0.25 cup pineapple juice
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 0.25 cup water
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer diced chicken breasts and ham evenly across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a uniform base for the Hawaiian-inspired dish.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and ham, ensuring all protein pieces are thoroughly coated and seasoned.
- Gently scatter pineapple chunks throughout the crockpot, distributing them evenly among the meat.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and succulent.
- Thirty minutes before serving, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until completely smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot, which will help thicken the sauce and create a glossy, rich consistency.
- Let the dish continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to develop and slightly reduce.
- Once cooking is complete, gently shred the chicken using two forks, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the tropical sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or your preferred grain, enjoying the sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Prep Surfaces Strategically: Use non-stick cooking spray or disposable slow cooker liners to minimize cleanup and prevent chicken from sticking to the pot.
- Balance Protein Ratios: Slice chicken and ham into consistent bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and harmonious texture throughout the dish.
- Sauce Consistency Trick: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and guarantee a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the meat.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap ham for tofu or additional chicken to create vegetarian or protein-varied versions that maintain the recipe’s delicious Hawaiian essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 722 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 102 mg