Craving a taste of paradise without the plane ticket? This easy Hawaiian chicken recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot, delivers all the tropical flavors you love with minimal effort. It's a delicious and healthy meal perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering. This recipe is packed with juicy chicken, vibrant pineapple, and a sweet and savory sauce – a true testament to the best recipes you can make at home. Get ready for a flavorful journey!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Combine the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). A little reserved pineapple juice can add extra sweetness and depth.
- Assemble and Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts. Evenly distribute the drained pineapple chunks on top.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce and pineapple. Serve over cooked rice, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy Hawaiian chicken!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the crockpot: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and sauce to cook evenly.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey. Conversely, for a sweeter dish, add more.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can make a quick slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the crockpot for a more complete meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Hawaiian Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- Teriyaki Hawaiian Chicken: Substitute teriyaki sauce for the soy sauce and honey mixture.
- Grilled Hawaiian Chicken: Grill the chicken before adding it to the crockpot for a smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy Hawaiian chicken recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious and satisfying dish without the fuss. Enjoy this taste of the islands!