Imagine the enticing aroma of sweet and savory notes filling your kitchen with minimal effort. This Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken recipe delivers a taste of the tropics right to your dinner table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering incredibly simple preparation and consistently delicious results. Get ready to enjoy a fuss-free meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken for many reasons.
- It requires minimal prep time, allowing your slow cooker to do all the hard work.
- Enjoy incredibly tender chicken bathed in a rich, sweet-savory sauce that everyone adores.
- This recipe is a perfect solution for busy weeknights, ensuring a delicious meal without stress.
- Easily customize ingredients to fit various dietary needs or personal preferences.
- It’s fantastic for meal prep, providing tasty leftovers for lunches throughout the week.
- The tropical flavors bring a delightful twist to your regular chicken dishes.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces small can of pineapple chunks with juices
- Scallions for garnish (optional)
- Rice for serving (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and lean protein. According to Verywell Fit, chicken breast is an excellent source of protein that supports muscle mass and overall health. Feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result. Soy sauce provides a crucial savory, umami base; use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options. Tomato paste adds depth and a hint of tang to the sauce. Worcestershire sauce contributes a unique savory kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Garlic powder offers quick, robust garlic flavor without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves. Brown sugar creates a lovely sweetness and aids in caramelization, but you can swap it for honey or maple syrup if preferred. Black pepper balances the sweetness and brings a subtle warmth. The red bell pepper adds beautiful color and a fresh, crisp texture; try adding other quick-cooking veggies like snap peas or carrots. Pineapple chunks are essential for that signature tropical sweetness and their juice forms part of the delicious sauce.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken. The most important piece of equipment is your slow cooker. Ensure you have a sturdy whisk or fork for mixing, and a sharp knife and cutting board for preparing your chicken and bell pepper. A ladle will be helpful for serving your completed dish.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
Get ready to create an amazing Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken with these simple steps. This slow cooker Hawaiian chicken recipe makes dinner a breeze.
Step 1: In your slow cooker, combine the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, forming the delicious sauce for your chicken. This ensures all flavors are evenly distributed right from the start.
Step 2: Add the diced chicken breasts, red bell pepper, and the entire can of pineapple chunks, including their juice, into the slow cooker. Distribute them evenly over the sauce. The pineapple juice is key for the tropical flavor.
Step 3: Gently stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken and bell peppers are thoroughly coated in the sauce. This step is crucial for flavor absorption and even cooking. Don’t overmix; just ensure everything is nestled in the sauce.
Step 4: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low and cook for 4-6 hours. Alternatively, if you are short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours. The low setting allows for maximum flavor development and tender chicken.
Step 5: Before serving, check the chicken for doneness. It should shred easily with two forks. For food safety, the internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F. If desired, you can shred the chicken right in the slow cooker for a pulled chicken consistency, allowing it to soak up even more sauce.
Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You might want to add a touch more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for extra sweetness, based on your preference. Stir well to incorporate any adjustments.
Step 7: For a thicker sauce, create a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the hot sauce in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 8: Serve your hot and flavorful Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken immediately. It pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or your favorite healthy side. Garnish with fresh scallions for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken
Achieve the best results with your slow cooker Hawaiian chicken by following these expert tips. Patting your chicken dry before adding it to the slow cooker can help it absorb flavors better. Avoid overfilling your slow cooker to ensure even cooking and prevent overflow. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends cooking time. For a thicker, more luscious sauce, create a simple cornstarch slurry and stir it in during the last 30 minutes. Always taste and adjust the sweetness and saltiness of your sauce before cooking, then again before serving. Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking. For deeper flavor, consider quickly searing the chicken breasts in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice or nutritious quinoa. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables like broccoli. Enjoy it with a fresh green salad or creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. You can even use the chicken mixture in wraps or sliders on Hawaiian rolls for a fun twist. Garnish your plates with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flair.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store any leftover Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish is excellent for meal prepping, allowing you to have delicious meals ready throughout the week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until hot. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it slightly.
Variations
Give your Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken a spicy kick by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Boost the vegetable content with additions like broccoli florets, snap peas, or sliced carrots during the last hour of cooking. You can swap the chicken for pork tenderloin or even shrimp (add shrimp in the last 30 minutes of cooking) for protein variety. For a gluten-free version, always use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Enhance the sauce further by incorporating a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a touch of your favorite teriyaki sauce.
Nutrition Information
This Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken offers a balanced meal, providing a good source of lean protein. Each serving generally contains approximately 235 calories and 27 grams of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. It provides about 25 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the pineapple and brown sugar, with 3 grams of dietary fiber. The dish is relatively low in fat, with only 3 grams per serving. While sodium content can be higher due to soy sauce, you can reduce this by using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Pineapple and bell peppers contribute beneficial vitamins, including Vitamin A and a significant amount of Vitamin C, along with potassium.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 235 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 73 mg |
| Sodium | 1203 mg |
| Potassium | 783 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 21 g |
| Vitamin A | 2002 IU |
| Vitamin C | 89 mg |
| Calcium | 36 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken: An Effortless Family Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper in the slow cooker and mix well.
- Add diced chicken breasts, red bell pepper, and the can of pineapple chunks with its juice to the slow cooker.
- Gently stir to coat the chicken and bell peppers evenly with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, covered.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings like soy sauce or brown sugar about 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and serve over rice, if desired.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but cooking time may need to be extended by 1-2 hours on low. Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Q: How do I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
A: For more sweetness, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. To reduce sweetness, use less brown sugar or choose unsweetened pineapple.
Q: Can I double or triple the recipe?
A: You can easily double this recipe. Ensure your slow cooker is large enough and avoid overfilling it to ensure even cooking.
Q: What are the best side dishes for this chicken?
A: Rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad are all excellent side dishes for this delightful Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken.
Q: Can I make this dish spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
Conclusion
This Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is truly a game-changer for effortless home cooking. Its fantastic blend of sweet and savory flavors, combined with minimal prep, makes it a perfect dish for any busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. You’ll love how simple it is to achieve such a delicious, tender, and flavor-packed result. Give this easy Hawaiian chicken recipe a try tonight and bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table! We encourage you to share your comments and photos with us; we love seeing your culinary creations.
