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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken delivers juicy, tender chicken infused with the vibrant flavors of pineapple and ginger. This easy slow cooker recipe combines sweet and savory notes for a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce

  • 1 can (about 20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup for alternative sweetness)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickening

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry to ensure the sauce clings well, then season lightly with salt and pepper to build layers of flavor.
  2. Combine the sauce ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker, then pour the pineapple sauce evenly over the top, ensuring every piece is nicely coated.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. Thicken the sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. Mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve: Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken, garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to breasts.
  • Don’t lift the slow cooker lid frequently to preserve heat and cooking time.
  • Thicken the sauce at the end to prevent it from becoming watery during cooking.
  • Combine sauce ingredients a day ahead to enhance flavor infusion.
  • Add fresh garnishes just before serving to keep colors vibrant and textures fresh.
  • You can swap chicken with pork tenderloin or firm tofu for different variations.
  • Add bell peppers or snap peas midway for extra crunch and color.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar or using honey/maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Hawaiian chicken, pineapple chicken, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, gluten free, tender chicken, sweet and savory

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/slow-cooker-hawaiian-chicken/