I first made this Hawaiian chicken when I was looking for something different to break out of our dinner rut. My family was instantly hooked, and now it’s requested at least twice a month. The way the house fills with those tropical aromas throughout the day is almost as satisfying as the meal itself.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: perfect for slow cooking and absorbing all the delicious flavors
- Pineapple chunks: provide natural sweetness and that signature Hawaiian flavor
- Red and yellow bell peppers: add vibrant color, crunch, and nutritional value
- Barbecue sauce: creates the base for our sweet and tangy sauce
- Soy sauce: introduces a savory umami element that balances the sweetness
- Brown sugar: caramelizes beautifully during cooking for depth of flavor
- Fresh ginger: brings a warming spice note that pairs perfectly with pineapple
- Garlic cloves: add aromatic depth to the sauce
- Cornstarch: to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency
- Rice: for serving soaks up all that delicious sauce
- Green onions and sesame seeds: provide fresh flavor and textural contrast
How To Make Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
- Prepare the crockpot:
- Layer your chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and allows the meat to soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
- Add fruits and vegetables:
- Scatter the drained pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers on top of the chicken. The vegetables will release moisture as they cook, infusing the chicken with flavor and preventing it from drying out.
- Mix the sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Cook low and slow:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, cover with the lid, and set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and creates incredibly tender chicken.
- Shred the chicken:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This increases the surface area of the meat, allowing it to absorb even more of that delicious sauce.
- Thicken the sauce:
- Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir it into the crockpot. The sauce will thicken as it continues to cook for another 15-20 minutes on high.
- Serve and garnish:
- Spoon the chicken mixture over a bed of hot cooked rice, and garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
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