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When the cold weather hits, there’s nothing like a warm, hearty meal to bring comfort. This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken delivers just that, with its tender, slow-cooked chicken chunks bathed in a sweet and tangy pineapple-brown sugar sauce. This dish is a delightful blend of tropical flavors and savory goodness, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients
2 lb chicken chunks (white or dark meat, or both): Provides tender and juicy protein for the dish.
1 cup pineapple juice: Adds a sweet and tangy base flavor to the sauce.
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed firmly: Sweetens the dish, balancing the tanginess of the pineapple.
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended): Adds a savory umami flavor that complements the sweetness.
1 medium can pineapple chunks (optional): Enhances the dish with extra texture and a burst of fruity flavor.
1 small onion, chopped (Vidalia recommended, optional): Contributes a mild sweetness that melds with the other ingredients.
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional): Adds color and a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Both boneless, skinless thighs and breasts work well—thighs for their tenderness, and breasts for a leaner option.
Chop the Vegetables: If using, slice the onion and cut the green bell pepper into chunks.
Combine the Ingredients:
Mix the Sauce: In your slow cooker, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken chunks in the slow cooker, followed by the pineapple chunks, onions, and green bell peppers if you’re using them. Stir to ensure everything is well-coated with the sauce.
Cook the Chicken:
Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but the slow and low method will give you the best results.
Serve the Dish:
Prepare the Rice: While the chicken is cooking, prepare some rice according to the package instructions. White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice all make great accompaniments.
Check the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, check to ensure the chicken is tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve: Spoon the sweet Hawaiian chicken over the rice, making sure to get plenty of sauce and veggies in each serving.
Garnish and Enjoy:
Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle with fresh green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy: Serve hot and savor the sweet and tangy flavors that will transport you to the tropics.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Proteins: Substitute the chicken with pork or beef chunks for a different twist on the dish. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable Options: Enhance the dish with additional vegetables like carrots, red bell peppers, or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Sugar Substitutes: Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. With its easy preparation and adaptable nature, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is versatile enough to please a variety of palates. The slow-cooking process ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a delicious journey to the islands with this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken chunks white or dark meat
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/3 cup soy sauce low sodium recommended
- 1 medium can pineapple chunks optional
- 1 small onion chopped, optional (Vidalia recommended)
- 1 green bell pepper cut into chunks, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- Chop the Vegetables: If using, chop the onion and cut the green bell pepper into chunks.
- Mix the Sauce: In a slow cooker, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add pineapple chunks, onion, and green bell pepper, stirring to coat everything with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for 6-8 hours, or 3-4 hours on high, until the chicken is tender.
- Serve: Prepare rice while the chicken cooks. Once done, serve the chicken over rice, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of sauce and vegetables.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds.
