Escape to paradise with this incredibly flavorful and easy Hawaiian Chicken recipe, cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or even a potluck. Tender, juicy chicken infused with the sweet and savory flavors of pineapple, teriyaki, and ginger – what's not to love? It's a healthy meal the whole family will adore, and it's surprisingly quick and simple to prepare. Get ready to enjoy a taste of the islands without leaving your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Crock Pot
Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Combining the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the undrained pineapple chunks, teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Step 3: Marination and Cooking
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cooking
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.
Step 5: Serving
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Stir to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce. Serve over rice, quinoa, or with your favorite sides. Enjoy the delicious, tropical flavors!
Cooking Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; it should register 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar. For a sweeter taste, add a tablespoon or two more.
- Use fresh ginger: Fresh ginger adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor than ground ginger. If you don't have fresh ginger, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets for a more complete meal. Add them during the last hour or two of cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different protein: Substitute chicken with pork tenderloin or firm tofu for a delicious alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This Hawaiian Chicken recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a taste of the islands. It's a perfect healthy meal for busy weeknights and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Try it today and experience the tropical flavors for yourself!