Looking for a delicious and easy crock pot meal that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise? This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is a perfect choice! The combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and a hint of ginger creates a flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin on)
- 2 cups pineapple, cut into 1″ chunks
- 1 yellow onion, cut into 1″ chunks
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1″ chunks
- Parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Browning the Chicken:
- Using a skillet or the cast aluminum slow cooker insert, brown the chicken thighs on both sides for 3-5 minutes over high heat. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds extra flavor to the chicken.
- Once browned, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and set aside.
- Preparing the Base:
- Add the pineapple and onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. The sweetness of the pineapple and the savory onion will infuse into the chicken as it cooks.
- Mixing the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This sweet and savory sauce is the heart of the dish, providing a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Slow Cooking:
- Carefully add the browned chicken thighs back into the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.
- Final Touches:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and the red bell pepper chunks to the slow cooker.
- Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the bell peppers to soften.
- While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare some rice to serve as a base for your meal.
- Serving:
- Once the chicken is done, serve it over a bed of rice.
- Garnish with parsley and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. This adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. The combination of sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and a savory sauce makes for a meal that is both comforting and exotic. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Tips:
- Pineapple Options: Fresh pineapple works best for this recipe, but you can also use canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) if fresh is not available. Just be sure to drain the juice before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Spice Level: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: In addition to rice, this dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad to balance the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.
Enjoy this delightful Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken with your family and friends, and savor the flavors of the islands from the comfort of your home. YUMMY!