Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors that transports you straight to a tropical paradise with every bite. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet pineapple chunks within a silky-sweet sauce. It’s perfect for those looking for a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or for your next family gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s a completely hands-off dish that allows the slow cooker to do all the work for you. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to creating this mouthwatering meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe. Its standout feature is the ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only tasty but also visually stunning. The minimal effort required makes it a stellar choice for busy individuals and families alike.
Another great aspect is its versatility. This dish can serve as a main course, be paired with rice, or even be served in wraps. It checks all the boxes: family-friendly, flavorful, and comforting. Plus, who doesn’t love the tropical sweetness of pineapple? With this recipe, you’re set up for a savory journey that feels like a mini-vacation on your dinner plate.
Ingredients
- ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Tender and juicy, these chicken pieces are the foundation of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari: Adds a savory umami flavor that enriches the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste: Provides depth to the sauce and a touch of acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory flavors and gives it a unique twist.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic quality to the mix.
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar: Adds a delightful sweetness that balances the savory notes perfectly.
- Black pepper to taste: A touch of spice elevates the flavors without overwhelming them.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Sweet, crunchy, and vibrant, they add color and freshness to the dish.
- 8 ounces small can of pineapple chunks with juices: The star ingredient that brings tropical sweetness and a juicy texture.
- Scallions for garnish (optional): Fresh and aromatic; they add a burst of flavor and color.
- Rice for serving (optional): A perfect base that complements the sauce and flavors nicely.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Prepare the Sauce: Start by adding the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper into your slow cooker. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful base that will coat the chicken and veggies beautifully.
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Add Chicken and Veggies: Introduce the cubed chicken breasts along with the diced red bell pepper and drain a small can of pineapple chunks (include the juices) into the slow cooker for that sweet and savory flavor boost.
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Stir to Combine: Gently stir the mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring that each piece of chicken and bell pepper is luxuriously coated in the delicious sauce.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Cook for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully as the chicken becomes tender and succulent.
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Taste and Adjust: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. If it’s too sweet for your liking, consider adding a touch more soy sauce or brown sugar to find your perfect balance.
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Garnish and Serve: If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some sliced scallions over the top before serving. Pair this delightful dish over fluffy rice for a complete and comforting meal experience.
Tips & Tricks
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Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have extra time, marinating the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking can intensify the flavors.
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Use Fresh Pineapple: For an even fresher flavor, consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just ensure to cut it into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.
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Adjust Spice Level: For those who like a bit of heat, adding chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the slow cooker can enhance the flavor while providing a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is best served over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, which perfectly absorbs the sweet and savory sauce. For an impressive presentation, consider adding a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad to enhance the meal’s colors and textures. This dish is also great for gatherings and can be served in wraps or on slider buns for a fun twist.
Nutritional Information
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also balanced. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, with 30g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 10g of fat. It’s a perfect dinner option for families looking for something hearty yet healthy, especially when served with a side of vegetables or whole grains.
Storing Tips & Variations
Leftovers of this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portioned containers. When freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before sealing. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, and warm it in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
For a twist on this recipe, consider adding vegetables like snap peas or carrots to the slow cooker. You could also switch up the protein by using cubed tofu or shrimp, making it a versatile option for both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Conclusion
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. With its rich flavors and sensational sweetness, this recipe is one that your family will love and request time and time again. So why wait? Give this delightful dish a try, and don’t forget to share your experience — we would love to hear how you made it your own!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and tender. -
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use coconut aminos or tamari. Both options will maintain the dish’s savory profile without the gluten. -
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to start the slow cooker. -
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe isn’t spicy. It emphasizes sweet and savory flavors. If you want to introduce heat, consider adding hot sauce or pepper flakes. -
What sides go well with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, but you can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables, salads, or in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy contrast!
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
A delightful fusion of juicy chicken breasts, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet pineapple chunks in a silky-sweet sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 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)
Instructions
- Add soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Mix thoroughly.
- Introduce the cubed chicken breasts along with the diced red bell pepper and pineapple chunks with juices into the slow cooker.
- Gently stir the mixture to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with sliced scallions before serving and pair over fluffy rice.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. Use fresh pineapple for a fresher taste. Optional: add chili flakes for some heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
