January 27, 2025

easy sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken

Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal, Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken might be just what you need. This dish combines tender chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple juice and barbecue sauce. With only 10 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for those busy days. As it cooks in the slow cooker, the flavors meld together beautifully. Let’s explore how to make this delightful meal and what makes it so special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal, this Hawaiian crockpot chicken is perfect for you.

With just a quick prep time of 10 minutes, you can pour a flavorful sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar over your chicken and let the crockpot do the work.

It’s a hands-off cooking method, allowing you to relax while it simmers. Each serving packs a protein punch, offering 38g, along with balanced carbs and essential vitamins. Plus, you have the flexibility to customize it: serve it over rice or veggies and adjust the spice level to your liking.

This recipe isn’t just tasty; it’s also easy to prep for the week ahead! You can even add vegetables such as sweet yellow onions or green beans to boost the nutrition.

History

The history of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken reflects the rich tapestry of influences that shape Hawaiian cuisine. This dish combines Polynesian, Asian, and American elements, showcasing pineapple’s essential role in local agriculture. Traditional Huli Huli chicken, grilled over open flames, inspired many slow-cooked variations. The crockpot’s introduction in the 1950s made preparing these flavorful meals easier for home cooks. Modern recipes often feature pineapple juice and soy sauce, highlighting the cultural fusion. You’ll notice regional variations might include fresh pineapple or other tropical fruits. The simplicity and accessibility of this dish have made it beloved at luaus and gatherings, while the internet has helped spread its popularity worldwide, celebrating Hawaiian culinary traditions. The slow cooker version provides convenience without compromising on the island flavors that make this dish so special.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 3/4 lb to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 20 oz can of pineapple chunks with juice
– 1 to 4 tbsp of soy sauce
– 1 cup to 4 tbsp of barbecue sauce
– 1 to 2 bell peppers, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– Orange juice or water (optional, for thickening)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by chopping the bell peppers into bite-size pieces. You can choose any color you prefer—red, green, or yellow will all work well.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken before it cooks in the sauce.
In your slow cooker, combine the seasoned chicken, pineapple chunks (along with their juice), soy sauce, and barbecue sauce. Stir to guarantee that the chicken is well coated with the sauce and surrounded by the pineapple.
Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours. If possible, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to allow for even distribution of flavors.
Once the chicken is cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), you can thicken the sauce if desired. To do this, mix cornstarch with a little orange juice or water and stir it into the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.
Serve the Sweet Hawaiian Chicken over white or brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for extra flavor. The use of sugar-free barbecue sauce helps keep the dish light and healthy.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, make sure to use a slow cooker that maintains a consistent temperature. Cooking on low heat helps prevent the chicken from drying out, assuring it remains tender and juicy.

Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce and barbecue sauce to suit your taste preferences—balancing sweet and savory flavors is key.

This dish also works well for meal prep; simply portion it into airtight containers for a week of delicious lunches or dinners.

Enjoy your tropical feast!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking adventure with the Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, remember that this dish not only offers a delicious meal but also provides versatility for your dining table.

With just 210.9 calories per serving, it’s a healthy option packed with 30.3 grams of protein. You can serve this sweet and savory chicken over jasmine or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Additionally, the total calories in the dish are 210 calories, making it a great choice for those mindful of their caloric intake.

Don’t forget to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to guarantee it cooks evenly. If you want to change things up, consider adding red pepper flakes for some heat or using fresh pineapple instead of canned.

This dish is sure to please everyone, making it a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

FAQ

After enjoying the delicious flavors of Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, you may have some questions about preparing this dish or making it your own.

You can use different cuts of chicken, like boneless skinless thighs or chopped tenderloins. Cooking times are flexible: on HIGH, it takes 2.5 to 4 hours, while LOW requires 5.5 to 8 hours. Hawaiian chicken sauce consists of pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, adding a unique flavor profile to the dish.

Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or with extra veggies like broccoli or carrots. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños. You can also use fresh pineapple, but add extra juice.

For variation, try adding BBQ sauce or orange juice. Remember to verify the chicken reaches 165°F before serving for safety.