Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken: 6 Reasons to Make It

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken! This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it was the first meal I ever made that got my whole family to sit down together around the table. The aroma of tender chicken mingling with sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki sauce wafting through the house is just heavenly. It’s so simple to throw everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while I tackle other things on my to-do list. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, delicious meal that practically cooks itself! Every bite is a burst of flavor, and I love serving it over rice for that perfect, comforting experience. You’re going to adore it!

Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Let’s get right into what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish! The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, and I’m sure you’ll find everything at your local grocery store. Here’s the scoop:

Chicken

You’ll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. I love using chicken breasts because they cook up tender and juicy in the crockpot. Make sure to trim any excess fat, so you get the best texture. If you can, try to get organic or free-range chicken for the best flavor!

Pineapple

Next up is the pineapple! You’ll want 1 cup of pineapple chunks. Whether you go for fresh or canned, it’s totally up to you. Fresh pineapple brings a bright, juicy sweetness, while canned pineapple is super convenient and just as delicious. If you use canned, be sure to drain it well so it doesn’t add too much liquid to your dish.

Sauces and Seasonings

Now let’s talk about the magic that brings all the flavors together. You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce – this adds that sweet and savory kick!
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – for a touch of extra sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce – this gives that umami depth we love.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – for that aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – it adds warmth and a hint of spice.

Mixing these together creates a drool-worthy sauce that coats the chicken and pineapple perfectly. Trust me, when these ingredients come together, you’re in for a treat!

How to Prepare Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the preparation! This part is so straightforward, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Let’s break it down step by step!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready before you know it. I promise, it’s hard to mess this up!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken in the crockpot! Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they’re laid out evenly; this helps them cook through nicely. No need to season them just yet—trust me, the sauce will do all the flavor work!

Mixing the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Give it a good stir until everything’s well mixed. The brown sugar might clump a bit, but that’s okay! Just keep mixing until you have a lovely, glossy sauce. Once it’s ready, pour this beautiful mixture over the chicken and pineapple chunks in the crockpot. Make sure everything is coated well—this is where the magic happens!

Cooking Time

Now it’s time to let the crockpot do its thing! Cover it up and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you’re like me and tend to get busy, the low setting is perfect because you can just set it and forget it! During the cooking process, your kitchen will fill with the most amazing aroma, and you might find yourself peeking in just to catch a whiff of that sweet, savory goodness. Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, you’ll be ready to shred it and mix it all together before serving. Yum!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you! It’s perfect for busy days when you need a meal without the fuss.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet pineapple, savory teriyaki, and tender chicken creates a delightful flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults—who doesn’t love a sweet and savory meal that’s easy to eat?
• Versatile Serving: Serve it over rice, in wraps, or with a side of veggies. The options are endless for how you can enjoy this tasty dish!
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and you’ll have delicious leftovers for lunches or busy weeknights. It tastes even better the next day!
• Gluten-Free Option: With simple ingredients, you can easily keep this dish gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Tips for Success with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

I’ve got a few handy tips that will help you nail this recipe every single time! Trust me, a little extra love goes a long way in making your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken even more delicious.

• Don’t Skip the Shredding: Once the chicken is cooked, be sure to shred it well before serving. This allows all that flavorful sauce to soak in, and every bite will be a burst of deliciousness!
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to cut back on the brown sugar. You can always taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and adjust to your liking.
• Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas along with the pineapple. They’ll cook beautifully in the sauce and add a nice crunch!
• Let it Rest: If you have the time, let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes after shredding before serving. It helps the flavors meld together even more!
• Serving Suggestions: I love serving this dish over fluffy white rice, but it’s also fantastic in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. You could even serve it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a fun twist!
• Garnish for Extra Flair: Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and a little extra flavor that’s just delightful!

These tips will ensure you get the most out of your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken experience. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey there! Just a quick heads up: the nutritional information for this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to provide accurate details, it’s important to remember that things like chicken type, sauce brands, and portion sizes can all affect the final numbers. So, use this info as a general guide, and feel free to adjust according to your own preferences and needs. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ About Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just keep in mind that if you do, it might take a little longer to cook. I recommend setting the crockpot on high for about 4-5 hours to ensure the chicken cooks through. Just make sure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. No worries, it’ll still turn out tender and delicious!

What can I serve with this dish?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over fluffy white rice—it soaks up all that yummy sauce. You could also pair it with quinoa for a healthier twist or even serve it in lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb option. For veggies, steamed broccoli or a fresh salad would make a lovely addition to balance out the sweetness. Just think about what your family loves, and you can’t go wrong!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You bet! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate it, and then just plug it in the next day. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll have lunch ready to go!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve made this delicious Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep them tasty for later. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps avoid condensation that can lead to sogginess. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for those busy lunch days!

When it comes time to reheat, you’ve got a few options. You can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish; just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to prevent splatters. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through—usually about 1-2 minutes should do the trick.

If you want to keep that lovely texture, I recommend reheating in a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or chicken broth to help it steam and keep it moist while you stir it around—this way, it doesn’t dry out! You can also pop it back in the crockpot on low for about 30 minutes to warm it up gently. No matter how you choose to reheat it, I promise it’ll still be just as flavorful as when you first made it! Enjoy every bite!

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken: 6 Reasons to Make It

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A simple and delicious sweet Hawaiian chicken dish made in a crockpot.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Crockpot
• Cuisine: Hawaiian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add pineapple chunks on top of the chicken.
3. In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and pineapple.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Shred the chicken before serving and mix with the sauce.

Notes

• Serve over rice for a complete meal.
• Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken