Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. It's an easy and flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- crockpot
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Fork
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving spoon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Pineapple chunks, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed pineapple (undrained), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure there are no lumps of cornstarch.
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- If the sauce is too thin, thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crockpot, stir well, and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over cooked rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and pineapple chunks, if desired.
Notes
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until heated through. Add a splash of water or pineapple juice to the chicken when reheating to prevent it from drying out. For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking.