Description
Succulent Hawaiian crockpot chicken brings tropical paradise to dinner tables with minimal effort. Tender chicken pieces simmered in tangy pineapple sauce create a delightful meal that invites adventure on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Fruits and Sweet Components:
- 1 can (20 oz / 565 g) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
- ½ cup (120 ml) brown sugar
Seasonings and Sauces:
- ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Thickening Agent:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together tangy pineapple juice, rich soy sauce, caramelized brown sugar, aromatic garlic, and zesty ginger in a mixing bowl until fully incorporated.
- Gently arrange tender chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, creating an even layer that will absorb the flavor-packed liquid.
- Cascade the meticulously prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece receives a thorough coating that promises deep, tropical infusion.
- Sprinkle luscious pineapple chunks across the top, allowing their natural sweetness to permeate the dish during slow cooking.
- Seal the crockpot and allow the chicken to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, transforming the meat into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.
- For those desiring a more luxurious sauce consistency, extract the chicken momentarily and introduce a cornstarch slurry, stirring vigorously to create a glossy, clingy texture.
- Let the sauce reduce and thicken on high heat for 10-15 minutes, developing a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- Reunite the tender chicken with the enhanced sauce, creating a harmonious blend of tropical and savory notes.
- Present the succulent chicken atop a bed of steamed rice or delicate noodles, garnishing with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds for added complexity and visual appeal.
Notes
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easy shredding in the crockpot.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing brown sugar for a less sweet version or adding more for an intense tropical flavor profile.
- Create a low-sodium alternative by using reduced-sodium soy sauce and controlling the salt content without compromising taste.
- Prep ingredients the night before to save time and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced depth and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 347
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 712 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 104 mg