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Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

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A fuss-free, tender, and juicy slow cooker chicken recipe with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy tropical flavors, ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned with juice)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, coating the meat well.
  3. Scatter pineapple chunks on top of the chicken without stirring.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  5. Remove chicken and shred finely or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Mix cornstarch and water until smooth, stir into the crockpot, and cook on HIGH uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  7. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat with the thickened sauce.
  8. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving.

Notes

Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free version. Fresh pineapple preferred but canned works well. Do not overcook chicken breasts to avoid dryness. Cornstarch slurry is essential to thicken the sauce. For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chili paste. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crockpot chicken, Hawaiian chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, pineapple chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/easy-sweet-hawaiian-crockpot-chicken-recipe-perfect-for-weeknight-dinners/