Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crockpot Delight 🥥🍍
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for easy chicken dinner ideas that are both flavorful and hassle-free, this Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crockpot Delight is perfect. Combining the luscious sweetness of pineapple with tender shredded chicken, this crockpot chicken dish offers a taste of Hawaii in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish is a slow cooker chicken recipe that you’ll want to keep in your culinary arsenal.
2. Ingredients for the Best Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
These ingredients combine to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, showcasing the true essence of Hawaiian-inspired crockpot chicken dishes.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Honey Hawaiian Chicken
Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
Cook the Chicken in the Crockpot
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6–7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded.
Add Pineapple and Thicken the Sauce
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the pineapple chunks. To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water, then stir it into the crockpot. Cover and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Shred the Chicken and Serve
Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return to the crockpot to mingle with the sauce. Serve hot over rice or your favorite grains.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Hawaiian Chicken
Store any leftover sweet Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
5. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This crockpot Hawaiian chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even on a bed of sautéed vegetables. Top with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added flavor. Want more quick dinner ideas? Check out this easy chicken chow mein recipe or explore other hearty taco stuffed peppers for inspiration.
6. FAQs About Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It may require an extra hour of low cooking time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep this dish gluten-free while maintaining authentic flavor.
What are some substitutions for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar make excellent vegan-friendly substitutes for honey in this recipe.
How long does it take to prepare?
The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with about 6–7 hours of slow cooking. It’s an incredibly effortless slow cooker chicken recipe.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Make quick side dishes or crispy toppings for your Hawaiian chicken.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Perfect for preparing accompanying rice or vegetables.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer: For grilling fresh veggies or quick reheats.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can elevate your cooking experience and make preparing dishes like this even more enjoyable.
8. Conclusion
This Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crockpot Delight is a testament to how effortless and delicious crockpot chicken dishes can be. With its sweet pineapple-infused sauce and tender shredded chicken, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re after an easy chicken dinner or an impressive addition to your repertoire of slow cooker chicken recipes, this dish checks all the boxes. Give it a try tonight and savor the tropical flavors!
9. Related Recipes and Inspiration
If you love this Hawaiian chicken dish, don’t miss out on trying garlic chicken noodles with sticky glaze or the hearty crock-pot poor man’s stew for more comfort food ideas. Keep exploring our collection of delicious slow cooker chicken recipes for endless meal options.
Print
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Crockpot Delight
This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner, featuring tender shredded chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
- Pineapple chunks and toasted sesame seeds for serving
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce.
- Serve hot garnished with chopped green onions, pineapple chunks, and sesame seeds, alongside rice or your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier results.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying honey and brown sugar quantities.
- Serve over steamed rice or inside buns for a Hawaiian chicken slider.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg