Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Nothing says comfort like the sweet and savory aroma of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken wafting through your home. With each tender bite, you’ll be treated to a perfect balance of juicy chicken and a tropical glaze that transports your taste buds straight to a sunny island paradise. This dish is not just a feast for the senses but also a family favorite, perfect for busy evenings or those delightful winter gatherings. Did you know that cooking in a slow cooker can yield some of the most incredibly tender results, all while allowing you to go about your day? This recipe is reminiscent of my popular Teriyaki Chicken dish, but with a delightful twist that shines with sweetness and flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a meal your loved ones will rave over!

What is Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?

So, what’s the scoop on Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken? Is it just chicken in a Hawaiian shirt? Well, not quite! This dish features succulent chicken pieces coated in a luscious sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It truly embodies that saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Picture this: your partner walks in after a long day at work, and there’s a warm, delicious meal waiting for them. They’ll be all smiles! The best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip this up. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A Flavorful Main Dish

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! Imagine tender chicken bursting with flavors reminiscent of tropical vacations; it’s surprisingly easy on your palate and wallet. Cooking at home means you can control the ingredients and can often save money compared to dining out. Plus, this dish invites you to get creative with toppings like sprinkled sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or even crunchy green onions. It gives off the same comforting vibes as a classic sweet and sour chicken but stands out with its tropical charm. Don’t wait! Gather your family, and let’s make something delicious!

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Quick Overview

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare. You’ll enjoy tender, juicy chicken infused with a deliciously sweet glaze, all achieved with minimal effort. Think of it as a flavorful gift that you can give your family during cold winter evenings, allowing them to savor every bite. Preparation takes just about 15 minutes, and after a few hours in the crockpot, the dish transforms into an incredible family meal.

Key Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

To get started on your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (ensure it’s halal)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)

Make sure to choose halal-certified soy sauce to keep this dish compliant!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the pineapple into smaller pieces if necessary, and set aside. Take the chicken thighs and trim any excess fat.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves and all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot

Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them. Add the pineapple chunks on top, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded when done.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

If you prefer a thick sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot with two forks, mixing it into the sauce. Serve it warm over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Substitutions: If you’re out of pineapple, try using mango or even apricot preserves for a delightful twist.
• Timing: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
• Avoiding Mistakes: Make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture; chicken breasts can dry out easily.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is great for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Creating this delicious Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a fantastic way to bring comfort food to your table. It’s not just a meal but a way to gather family together, sharing both food and stories. So, grab your crockpot and get ready to impress!

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory glaze, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Hawaiian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs Ensure the thighs are trimmed of excess fat
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) Chop into smaller pieces if necessary
• 1/2 cup soy sauce Use halal-certified soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) Mix with water to create a slurry if using
• as needed servings Cooked rice or quinoa For serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. Gather all your ingredients.
2. Chop the pineapple into smaller pieces if necessary and set aside.
3. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs.

Making the Sauce

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves and all the ingredients are well combined.

Cooking

1. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them.
2. Add the pineapple chunks on top, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
4. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded when done.

Thickening the Sauce (Optional)

1. If you prefer a thick sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
2. Stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving

1. Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot with two forks, mixing it into the sauce.
2. Serve it warm over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with your choice of toppings.

Notes

For substitutions, try using mango or apricot preserves if you're out of pineapple. Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid dry chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.