Craving a taste of the tropics without leaving your kitchen? Look no further than this Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken recipe! With its tantalizing blend of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and tender chicken, this dish is sure to transport your taste buds straight to a sunny beach. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this meal requires just 15 minutes of prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure better sauce absorption.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create a flavorful marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Add pineapple chunks and sliced bell peppers around and on top of the chicken breasts.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting, cooking for 4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- At the 3-hour mark, gently turn the chicken pieces to ensure even flavor distribution and prevent sticking.
- Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken or slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with additional pineapple chunks and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Prep the Chicken: For optimal flavor absorption, make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before marinating. This helps the sauce cling better to the meat.
- Marinade Magic: Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger thoroughly to create a marinade that packs a punch. The balance of sweet and savory will elevate your dish!
- Layering is Key: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent any pieces from drying out.
- Don’t Skip the Pineapple: Adding pineapple chunks not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful sweetness that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
- Turn for Even Flavor: At the 3-hour mark, gently turn the chicken pieces. This simple step ensures that every bite is infused with that delicious marinade.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of steamed rice, and don’t forget to garnish with extra pineapple chunks and chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 105mg
