The aroma of sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a tropical paradise where the sun shines and the waves crash. Picture tender chicken bathed in a luscious sauce that combines the sweetness of pineapple with a hint of savory soy sauce—it’s practically a vacation in your mouth. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
This dish is like that friend who always brings good vibes to the party—it’s easy to make, is a crowd-pleaser, and pairs perfectly with everything from rice to salad. Plus, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just need a comforting meal after a long day, this recipe is here to save the day with its delightful flavors and comforting textures.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Its vibrant colors will brighten up any dinner table, making it visually appealing.
- Enjoy it over rice or in tacos for versatile serving options that everyone will love.
Ingredients for sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work perfectly here; adjust according to how many you’re feeding.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple chunks add that signature tropical sweetness; just make sure they are well-drained if using canned.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while still providing that rich umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: The brown sugar enhances the sweetness and caramelizes nicely as the dish cooks.
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for that aromatic kick; about three cloves should do!
For the Sauce:
- Rice Vinegar: This adds tanginess and balances out the sweetness beautifully; just a splash is all you need.
- Cornstarch: A little cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce towards the end of cooking, giving it that glossy finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your trusty crockpot. Make sure they’re not stacked too high; we want even cooking!
Step 2: Add Pineapple and Sauce
Toss in those glorious pineapple chunks right over the chicken. Then, in a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until well combined. Pour this heavenly mixture over everything in the crockpot.
Step 3: Let It Cook
Cover your crockpot and set it on low for about six hours or high for three hours. Go ahead; kick back! You deserve a break while your kitchen fills up with those tropical aromas.
Step 4: Thicken Your Sauce
Once your timer goes off, carefully remove the chicken and set it aside on a cutting board. Stir cornstarch mixed with water into the remaining sauce in the crockpot and let it cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Shred That Chicken
While your sauce thickens up nicely, shred your cooked chicken using two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly—like magic!
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return shredded chicken back into the crockpot with your now-thickened sauce. Give it a good stir so every piece gets coated in that luscious goodness.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Optional: garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for added flair (and Instagrammable moments).
There you have it—a simple yet delectable sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe that brings joy to every bite! Enjoy this culinary journey straight from your kitchen without ever needing sunscreen!
You Must Know
- This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken offers a delightful blend of flavors that make dinner feel like a mini-vacation.
- You can customize the ingredients based on your pantry, and its tropical flair will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for family meals or casual get-togethers.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For the best results, start by mixing the sauce ingredients in your crockpot. Add the chicken next, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender and juicy. Serve over rice or with fresh veggies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pineapple for mango or add some bell peppers for extra crunch. A dash of soy sauce can give it an umami kick, while fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten up the dish. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the sauce before cooking.
- This helps infuse those delicious Hawaiian notes deep into the meat.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; low and slow is key for tender chicken.
- Finally, always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to suit your palate.
Sometimes I’ll whip this sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken before a big game day, and my friends think I’ve become a gourmet chef overnight! Watching them devour every bite brings me pure joy.
FAQs:
What is sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken?
Sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful sweet and tangy sauce. The recipe typically features ingredients like pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a delightful blend of flavors that pairs well with rice or vegetables. Asian crockpot meatballs Cooking it in a crockpot allows the chicken to absorb all the tasty juices, resulting in a moist and satisfying meal.
How long does it take to cook sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken?
Cooking sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken usually takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat in the crockpot. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring that the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked. It’s essential to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I make sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken ahead of time. You can assemble all the ingredients and place them in the crockpot insert, then refrigerate it overnight. honey garlic chicken legs When you’re ready to cook, simply remove it from the fridge and set it up in your slow cooker. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
What should I serve with sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken?
Sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken pairs well with various side dishes. You can serve it over steamed white rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Additionally, roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad complement this dish nicely. honey roasted carrots For an extra touch, consider garnishing with sliced green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
Conclusion for sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken:
In summary, sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken delivers a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love. This easy recipe requires minimal prep time while offering maximum taste through slow cooking. Remember to cook until the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature for safety and enjoy it with your favorite sides like rice or salads. chicken and waffles pairing This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal planning!
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is a quick and delicious dish that brings the flavors of the tropics to your table. Juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with rice or tortillas for versatile serving options.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, well-drained)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add pineapple chunks on top of the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture over the chicken and pineapple.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken and stir cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot to coat with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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