Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a mouthwatering blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that transport you straight to the islands, Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is a must-try. This colorful dish mixes tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a medley of bell peppers and Asian-inspired seasonings for a set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills your home with tantalizing aromas. It’s a joyful, tropics-inspired dinner perfect for quick weeknights yet crowd-pleasing enough for entertaining guests—it’s honestly my secret weapon for bringing sunshine to the dinner table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is how simple the ingredient list is—each one plays a unique part in building those sunny, satisfying flavors. Don’t skip anything; every item lends its own pop of sweetness, tang, or savory depth for a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces become wonderfully tender and flavorful as they soak up the sauce.
- Pineapple chunks: Use canned pineapple (with juice!) for ease, or fresh pineapple for extra tropical zing.
- Red and green bell peppers: These colorful veggies add crunch, color, and a mild sweetness that shines through.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami backbone to balance the dish’s sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with depth and warmth.
- Ginger: Fresh or ground ginger creates that subtle island bite and keeps things lively.
- Brown sugar: Brings out the pineapple’s natural sweetness and makes the sauce luxuriously rich.
- Tomato paste: Adds thickness and a hint of tang that keeps the sauce from being too sweet.
- Rice vinegar: A splash brightens everything up and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce at the end for that glossy, clingy finish.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste and bring all the flavors into delicious harmony.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Vegetables
Begin by arranging your boneless chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the pineapple chunks and sliced bell peppers evenly over the top. This simple layering lets the juices mingle as everything cooks, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice (from the can), tomato paste, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and a little salt and pepper. This concoction is the heart of Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken—each ingredient working together to create a sauce that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and savory.
Step 3: Combine and Cook Low and Slow
Pour the vibrant sauce evenly over the chicken, pineapple, and peppers. Pop on the lid, set your slow cooker for 4 to 5 hours on LOW or about 2 to 3 hours on HIGH, and let the magic happen. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’s hard to resist!
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water and stir that slurry into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes more to let the sauce thicken into a glossy, sunset-hued glaze that coats every piece of chicken and pineapple.
Step 5: Shred or Serve Whole
Once the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, you can serve it whole for a fancier presentation, or gently shred it for a more rustic, family-style vibe. Whichever way you go, make sure to spoon plenty of that luscious pineapple sauce over the top.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
Garnishes
To bring out the best in Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken, don’t forget a handful of fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of sliced green onions, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, or a little chopped cilantro adds a splash of color and crunch, instantly elevating the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish begs for a simple bedding of warm steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the sweet-sour sauce. For a more festive spread, try coconut rice, a bright cabbage slaw, or even Hawaiian sweet rolls to turn it into sliders—trust me, your family will flip!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or want to impress at potlucks, serve the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a dramatic island-inspired look. Or, pile it high on lettuce cups for a light, handheld twist—a hit at summer gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken into airtight containers and chill in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making leftovers just as good (or even better) the next day. Just be sure to store the sauce and chicken together to keep everything moist and tasty.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Simply cool the chicken completely, transfer it (with plenty of sauce) to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers into a saucepan over gentle heat or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally until hot. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, just add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen things up and bring back that silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully, though thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving in the slow cooker. If using breasts, keep an eye on doneness to avoid overcooking.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple lends an extra-bright, tangy punch to Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken. If you use fresh, be sure to add a few tablespoons of pineapple juice or extra liquid to replace the juice from canned.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Go ahead and get creative—snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn pair perfectly with the flavors of this dish. Just aim for vegetables that will hold their shape after several hours in the slow cooker.
How spicy is this recipe?
By default, this dish is gently sweet with zero spice, making it super kid-friendly. If you want a kick, stir in a little sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce before cooking.
Can I make this advance for a party?
Definitely! Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is a host’s dream—it stays warm in the slow cooker for hours, and you can make it a day ahead and simply reheat before serving. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to infuse a bit of island sunshine into your next family dinner or easy weeknight meal, Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken absolutely delivers. With minimal prep and all those irresistible flavors, it’s a recipe everyone should try at least once—though I promise, once won’t be enough!
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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken recipe brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with juicy pineapple and tender chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, onion, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: If desired, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian pineapple chicken over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- You can add additional vegetables like carrots or snap peas for extra color and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
