Looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to the tropics? Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the perfect solution! This savory-sweet chicken dish combines juicy pineapple, tender chicken breasts, and colorful bell peppers, all slow-cooked to perfection. The best part? It’s a hands-off, slow-cooker recipe that anyone can make! In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare this delicious meal, share tips for perfecting it, and explore the nutritional benefits of this Hawaiian-inspired dish.
What is Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delightful blend of tropical flavors and hearty ingredients. The slow-cooker method allows the chicken to marinate in a sweet and tangy sauce made of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and bell peppers. The result is a tender, juicy, and mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with rice or your favorite grain.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to add Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken to your recipe collection. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Effortless: The crockpot does all the work, making it perfect for busy days or when you need a no-fuss dinner.
- Bursting with Flavor: Pineapple, soy sauce, and bell peppers create a deliciously balanced dish with sweet and savory notes.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a great family dinner option.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and vegetables, it’s both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – This serves as the protein base for the dish. You can also use thighs if you prefer.
- 1 cup pineapple juice – The sweet base for the sauce that gives the chicken its tropical flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory soy sauce.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce – The umami-rich element that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped – Adds color and crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained – Adds texture and sweet bites to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce for a rich consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water – Used to create a slurry with the cornstarch.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish) – Adds a refreshing herbal note at the end.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps for a perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the maximum amount of flavor from the sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure the ingredients are well combined to form a smooth sauce.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Pineapple
Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the chicken in the crockpot. Add the chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks on top of the chicken. The bell peppers will cook down, adding texture and a subtle sweetness.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will slowly cook, becoming tender and infused with the sweet Hawaiian flavors.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir well to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Return the chicken to the crockpot, coating it in the thickened sauce. Serve the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over rice or quinoa and garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Notes and Tips for Success
Cooking with a crockpot is straightforward, but these tips will ensure your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking.
- Thickening the Sauce: Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry well to avoid lumps. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables such as carrots, onions, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your dish less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1/4 cup, or replace it with honey or a low-calorie sweetener.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This dish is not only delicious but also provides a range of health benefits. The lean protein from the chicken, combined with the vitamins and minerals from the bell peppers and pineapple, make this a nutritious meal. Let’s break down the nutritional content:
Nutrition Details (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 28g
- Vitamin A: 15% of the daily value
- Vitamin C: 60% of the daily value
- Calcium: 6% of the daily value
- Iron: 8% of the daily value
Health Benefits
- Lean Protein: Chicken breasts provide an excellent source of lean protein, promoting muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in Vitamins: The bell peppers are loaded with vitamins A and C, which boost your immune system and promote healthy skin.
- Digestive Support: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and reduces inflammation.
- Low in Saturated Fat: With minimal fat and cholesterol, this recipe is heart-healthy, making it a great option for those watching their fat intake.
FAQs About Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Yes! While the crockpot is the easiest method, you can cook the chicken in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken in the sauce until it’s tender, then follow the same steps for thickening the sauce with cornstarch.
This dish is best served with white rice, quinoa, or brown rice. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad to balance out the meal.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will have your family coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a delicious dish to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can enjoy a taste of the tropics any day of the week.
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tropical-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with pineapple, bell peppers, and a sweet soy sauce glaze. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice – This will bring that tropical sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – For the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce – Adds the umami and deep flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped – A trio of colorful bell peppers for crunch and flavor.
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained – Adds texture and even more pineapple flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – To thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons water – For making the cornstarch slurry.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) – Adds a refreshing finish.
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed, then pour this mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Add the Veggies and Pineapple: Throw in the chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks on top of the chicken. The vibrant colors not only make the dish look appealing, but they also add a nice crunch and sweet bite to balance the tender chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Let the magic happen as the chicken absorbs the tropical flavors, becoming soft and juicy.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then pour it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Stir well and allow it to cook for another 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Place the chicken back into the crockpot for a few minutes to soak up the sauce. Serve it over rice, and don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of freshness.
Notes
- Cooking Time: If you’re in a rush, the high setting on the crockpot will get your meal ready in 3-4 hours. However, if you prefer extra-tender chicken, the low setting for 6-8 hours is your best bet.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Adding the cornstarch slurry towards the end of the cooking time is essential to give your sauce the right thickness. Be sure to stir it well to avoid any lumps.
- Customize the Heat: Want to spice things up? Add some chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce for a bit of heat!
- Serve with Rice or Quinoa: This dish is traditionally served over rice, but it also pairs wonderfully with quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and vegetables
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Crockpot chicken recipes, Hawaiian chicken recipe, Pineapple chicken slow cooker