Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken slow-cooked with pineapple, bell peppers, and tangy sweet sauce for a tropical touch.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
→ Fruit
05 - 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
→ Sauce
06 - 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
07 - 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
08 - 1/4 cup ketchup
09 - 3 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
13 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Thickener
14 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
15 - 2 tbsp cold water
→ Garnish
16 - 2 green onions, sliced
17 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until combined.
02 - Arrange chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks evenly over the chicken.
03 - Pour the sauce mixture evenly over all ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and reaches 165°F internally.
04 - Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl, stirring until smooth to create a slurry.
05 - During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Remove the lid and let simmer until sauce reaches desired consistency.
06 - Transfer to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce thickens into this glossy coating that makes everything taste restaurant quality
- Throw it together in 15 minutes and come home to a meal that feels special enough for guests
02 -
- Forgetting to drain the pineapple cans will make your sauce too thin and throw off the seasoning balance
- The sauce needs those final 30 minutes uncovered to thicken properly rushing this step leaves you with soup not glaze
03 -
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs to prevent an oily sauce
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten free version that tastes identical