This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delicious, tropical-inspired dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a sweet and savory sauce that tenderizes the chicken to perfection. You can add optional vegetables like Vidalia onion and green pepper for extra texture and flavor. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a fuss-free meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken chunks (white or dark meat, or a mix)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium version recommended)
- 1 medium can pineapple chunks (optional)
- 1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 green pepper, cut into chunks (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Slow Cooker
- Add chicken: Place the 2 lb chicken chunks at the bottom of the crockpot. You can use either white or dark meat, depending on your preference, or a combination of both for added flavor.
2. Combine Ingredients
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine the 1 cup of pineapple juice, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and ⅓ cup of soy sauce. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves.
- Add optional ingredients: If you’re using the optional ingredients, add the pineapple chunks, chopped Vidalia onion, and green pepper chunks to the crockpot with the chicken.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Set the crockpot: Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let the chicken cook for 6-8 hours, until it’s tender and fully cooked through. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.
4. Serve
- Enjoy: Once the chicken is done, serve it hot over rice, with the rich, tropical sauce drizzled over the top. You can garnish with extra pineapple chunks or freshly chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for Success
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like red peppers, carrots, or broccoli to suit your taste.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for later.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 16 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Conclusion
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the tropics to your kitchen. The combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce makes for a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken. Serve it over rice for a complete meal, and enjoy the effortless magic of slow cooking!