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Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken
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This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet pineapple and savory chicken, bringing tropical island flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Ideal for busy weeknights, it features juicy chicken thighs cooked low and slow with a tangy, sweet sauce, making meal prep easy and cleanup minimal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Optional Sauce Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken and Veggies: Pat the chicken thighs dry to promote better browning and flavor absorption. Chop the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth to create the sweet and tangy island-inspired sauce.
  3. Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, then evenly distribute pineapple chunks and sliced red bell pepper on top.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker glaze, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry, then stir into the crockpot. Cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Do not overcrowd the crockpot; leave space for heat circulation.
  • Layer denser ingredients like chicken on the bottom for even cooking.
  • Adjust the sweetness by starting with less brown sugar and adding more after tasting if desired.
  • Reserve some fresh pineapple to add right before serving for extra texture and brightness.
  • For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
  • Add snap peas, carrots, or zucchini to increase vegetable content without adding excess moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, hawaiian chicken, slow cooker chicken, pineapple chicken, easy dinner, gluten free dinner

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/crockpot-hawaiian-chicken/