Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple for Busy Weeknights
A simple and flavorful crockpot recipe featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with pineapple and a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 14 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (80 ml)
- 1 can pineapple chunks with juice (20 ounces / 567 g)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 g)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon honey (21 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Pat 2 pounds (900 g) of boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon (21 g) honey, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
- Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, then add the 20-ounce (567 g) can of pineapple chunks with juice on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Optionally stir the sauce halfway through cooking to help flavors meld.
- When cooked, shred the chicken gently in the crockpot with two forks if desired. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top.
- Serve the Hawaiian chicken over steamed rice or your favorite grain.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; shredding chicken is optional. To thicken sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and cook on high for 10-15 minutes. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Fresh pineapple can be used but adjust liquid accordingly. Avoid opening the crockpot lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup of chick
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 30
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, Hawaiian chicken, pineapple chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken thighs, sweet and savory, comfort food