Mouth-Watering Hawaiian Chicken Recipe | Slow Cooker Delight
Looking for a new recipe to try out at your next gathering with friends and family? Look no further than this mouth-watering Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe! This sweet and tangy recipe is the perfect marriage of the tropical flavors of Hawaii and the comfort of slow-cooked chicken.
As a chef who enjoys throwing parties, I understand the importance of finding a recipe that is both delicious and easy to make. With this Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe, you can simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do its magic. It’s a low-maintenance dish that is perfect for any occasion.
This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, and an array of other herbs and spices that add depth to its already unique flavor profile. The dish pairs perfectly with rice or noodles or can be used in pulled chicken sandwiches for a fun barbecue twist.
So why not put on some music, pour yourself a drink, and let this Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe take center stage at your next get-together? Your guests will thank you for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, foodies! You’re in for a treat with this recipe. Let me tell you why you’ll love it. This slow cooker Hawaiian chicken recipe is a flavor explosion in your mouth! The sweet and tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken breast. The brown sugar garlic sauce adds depth of flavor that will make you want to lick your plate clean.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe is a no-fuss, stress-free way to entertain your guests. Simply prep the ingredients, throw them into the slow cooker and let the magic happen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you just want to kick back and relax.
Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice, noodles or even as a sandwich filling. The leftovers can be turned into pulled chicken sliders or shredded chicken tacos. You won’t ever get bored with this Hawaiian-inspired crockpot chicken recipe.
But what sets this recipe apart from others is the fact that it requires only 3 simple steps and 10 common ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. So why not impress your guests with this appetizing yet simple recipe? One bite and they’ll ask for seconds! Trust me, you’ll love it!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need for this slow cooker hawaiian chicken recipe:
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast halves OR chicken thighs
- Salt to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 20 oz can of pineapple chunks, drained (you can also use fresh pineapple)
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
For the Cornstarch Slurry:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed it with equal amount of cold water
Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand before starting with the recipe. You may check their availability in your kitchen or make a trip to the supermarket to ensure you have everything in stock.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to business and start cooking this delicious Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken. This recipe is simple and only takes a few steps to achieve that sweet tangy taste we all adore.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Before placing the chicken in the slow cooker, make sure to season each piece with salt and pepper. Be generous with the seasoning as it will give the chicken a more flavorful taste.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/2 cup of pineapple juice, 2 cups of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Step 3: Add Pineapple Chunks and Bell Pepper
Place boneless skinless chicken breast halves (or thighs) in the slow cooker. Pour the pineapple sauce over the chicken. Add chopped green bell pepper for some extra flavor (optional).
Step 4: Set Crock Pot
Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or until chicken pieces are cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Thicken Sauce
Once done, remove the chicken pieces from the crockpot and place them on a plate. In a separate bowl mix together 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup water until it forms a slurry.
Pour the remaining liquid into a pot over medium-high heat, add your cornstarch mixture and stir for a few minutes until it thickens.
Step 6: Add Pineapple Slices and Lemon Juice
Add pineapple slices to your sauce, simmer for another minute or so then turn off your stove top burner. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice (about half) so that it is not too overpowering but gives that extra kick without being too sour.
Step 7: Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Drizzle some sauce over the cooked chicken breasts or thighs then top off with pineapple chunks as desired!
This recipe will yield a sweet hawaiian inspired crockpot dish that you can enjoy what’s more is that it is just perfect when paired rice – white or fried paired with healthy veggies like asparagus or spinach.
Aloha!
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s be honest, some of us like to put our own spin on things. Luckily, with this Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to make it your own. Here are a few ideas that I have tried or think would work well:
– Chicken Thighs instead of Breasts: This is a personal preference, but if you prefer a darker meat or find it to be more flavorful, try using chicken thighs instead.
– Pineapple Chunks instead of Slices: If you can’t find pineapple slices or prefer a chunkier texture in your dish, use canned pineapple chunks instead.
– Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: To cut down on the sodium in the dish, try using low-sodium soy sauce instead.
– Barbecue Chicken: Add a little smokiness to the dish by incorporating some barbecue sauce to the slow cooker. A tablespoon or two will do the trick!
– Shredded Chicken: If you don’t want chicken breasts or thighs as whole pieces in your dish, try shredding them before adding them to the slow cooker. This is especially helpful if you plan on using the chicken for sandwiches or wraps.
– Sticky Chicken with Pineapple Juice: Add 1/4 cup more pineapple juice and 1/4 cup ketchup to make this dish have a sweet and sticky glaze.
No matter which substitution or variation you choose, be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and season to your liking.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to this Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe, serving it is as easy as can be. There are a number of different ways in which you can enjoy this dish, but personally, I love to serve it over a bed of steaming white rice. Not only does the rice soak up all that deliciously sweet hawaiian sauce, but it also serves as a perfect neutral base for the bold flavors of the chicken.
If you want to get creative with your sides, there’s no shortage of options that pair well with this juicy, flavorful chicken. Some tasty options include roasted veggies like carrots or broccoli, grilled pineapple slices or even a simple salad dressed in a citrusy vinaigrette. Whatever your tastes may be, this versatile dish is sure to make a perfect addition to any meal.
One thing to note when serving this dish is that the sauce is incredibly rich and flavorful. While this makes it absolutely delicious, it does also mean that you won’t need very much to go a long way. For best results, opt for smaller portions and let the flavor speak for itself.
Overall, whether served as a full meal or as part of a larger feast, this sweet and tangy slow-cooker chicken is sure to please any crowd. So grab your forks and dig in!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals and it stores well in the fridge. The longer you let the chicken sit in the sauce, the more flavorful it becomes. In fact, it’s even better when reheating, as the sweet and tangy flavors develop with time.
For make-ahead meals, let the chicken cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep the cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days without losing quality or taste. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat the chicken, you can use either a microwave or an oven. If using a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Cook on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken in an oven-safe dish and add a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to help keep the meat moist. Cover tightly with foil and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes for individual portions or up to 25 minutes for larger amounts.
Be sure not to overheat the chicken as this will dry it out and reduce its flavor. Also remember that reheated chicken tends to be less tender than freshly cooked meat so make sure you don’t overcook it during reheating.
In summary, this recipe is perfect for meal prep and storing leftovers. With proper handling and refrigeration techniques, you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime with minimum fuss.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe comes out perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Firstly, don’t be afraid to add more seasoning to taste. Adjust the amount of black pepper, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, or any other seasonings based on your preference for flavor. Some people may prefer a stronger taste of ginger or lemon juice while others may prefer a milder taste – this recipe allows for personalization.
Secondly, when making substitutions or variations, keep in mind the balance of flavors. For instance, swapping chicken thighs for breasts is fine but remember that they have different cooking times.
Thirdly, consider using pineapple chunks instead of slices for a variation in texture. You can also add bell pepper or other vegetables for added nutrients and texture.
Fourth, let the slow cooker do its job without opening it too often. Resist the urge to peek inside as this can alter the cooking time and temperature.
Fifthly, if you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken pieces and whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water before adding it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Lastly, make sure to remove any excess fat from the chicken pieces before placing them into the slow cooker which will prevent it from becoming greasy. You can also use cooking spray or line the pot with parchment paper before placing any ingredients inside.
By following these tips and tricks, your Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe will turn out just right every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe is the perfect dish to add to your party menu. It is easy to prepare, flavorful, and versatile. The sweet and tangy pineapple sauce combined with juicy and tender chicken will leave your guests begging for more.
Whether you are hosting a big party or having a small gathering at home, this recipe is sure to impress. The hands-off cooking method allows you to focus on other aspects of preparing for the party, while the slow cooker works its magic.
Additionally, this recipe offers several variations and substitutions to suit your taste and dietary requirements. Feel free to switch up the protein or adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Finally, don’t forget the tips and recommendations provided in this article for best results. From serving suggestions to make-ahead options, we’ve got you covered.
So go ahead and give this Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe a try! Your guests will be delighted and you’ll feel like an accomplished chef.
Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 (15 ounce) can pineapple slices, reserve juice
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in oblong slow cooker sprayed with vegetable cooking spray and sprinkle with a dash of salt if desired.
- Place pineapple slices over chicken.
- In a medium bowl, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar,lemon juice, ginger, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and black pepper, until cornstarch mixes with liquids.
- Pour over chicken breasts.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Hot buttered rice is a compliment to this dish.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!