Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a delightful blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar for a tropical-inspired meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of garlic and optional heat from red pepper flakes. Ideal for an easy, hands-off dinner that pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 15 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir it gently to combine. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and serve hot, spooning the thickened sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for optimal tenderness and flavor; chicken breasts can be used but may dry out.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice kick to balance the sweetness.
- The cornstarch slurry is key to getting a nice, thick sauce that coats the chicken well.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Keywords: sweet hawaiian chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, easy dinner, Hawaiian chicken thighs
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/sweet-hawaiian-crockpot-chicken-recipe/