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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

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Introduction

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tender, juicy slow-cooked dish featuring chicken simmered in a sweet-savory pineapple sauce. It’s effortless comfort food with tropical flair—perfect for busy days when you want big flavor with minimal work.

Origin

Hawaiian-style chicken dishes draw inspiration from island cuisine that blends sweet fruit, savory sauces, and slow cooking. This crockpot version is a modern American adaptation designed for convenience.

Cultural Significance

This dish reflects the popularity of Hawaiian-inspired comfort meals in American home cooking—easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of sunny flavor.

Ingredients and Quantities

  • 900 g (2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, juice reserved)
  • ¾ cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)

Optional Additions

  • Sliced bell peppers (red or green)
  • Onion chunks
  • Red pepper flakes for heat
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Tips for Success

  1. Thighs Stay Juicier: Great for long cooking.
  2. Brown First (Optional): Adds depth of flavor.
  3. Don’t Overcook: Chicken should shred easily, not dry.
  4. Thicken at the End: Keeps sauce glossy.

Instructions

  1. Optional Browning:
    • Heat olive oil in skillet.
    • Brown chicken lightly on both sides (optional but flavorful).
  3. Assemble in Crockpot:
    • Place chicken in slow cooker.
    • Add pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
  5. Cook:
    • Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  7. Thicken Sauce:
    • Remove chicken.
    • Stir cornstarch slurry into sauce.
    • Cover and cook 10–15 minutes until thickened.
  9. Finish:
    • Return chicken to crockpot and coat with sauce.
  11. Serve:
    • Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.

Description

The chicken is fall-apart tender, coated in a glossy sweet-savory pineapple sauce with hints of garlic and ginger. Comforting, bright, and satisfying.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Sugars: 34 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg

Conclusion

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a fuss-free meal that delivers bold flavor with zero stress. It’s reliable, family-approved, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Recommendation

Serve over steamed rice, coconut rice, or noodles. Pair with broccoli or snap peas for balance.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Use reduced-sodium soy sauce, cut back slightly on sugar, or add extra vegetables to enjoy this sweet comfort dish with a healthier touch.

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