Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious dinner recipe that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise! This easy recipe is packed with a blend of sweet and savory Hawaiian flavors, such as pineapple, lime, soy sauce, and ginger. This crockpot Hawaiian chicken is a dump-and-go recipe that requires no pre-cooking. What sets this recipe apart from others is its minimal prep and irresistible sweet and tangy flavor combination.
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
This Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner recipe for a busy day or any occasion.
With its delectable blend of sweet and savory flavors, this Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken recipe offers a taste of the islands in the comfort of your own home.
Unlike some slow cooker recipes that require pre-cooking or multiple steps, this dump-and-go recipe allows you to simply gather the ingredients, combine them in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
The addition of pineapple chunks adds a tropical touch, while the hint of lime juice provides a refreshing twist. This recipe is a true winner when it comes to convenience, taste, and delivering a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
The result is tender chicken infused with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory sauce. The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, orange marmalade, and ginger creates a delightful balance of flavors.
Simple Ingredients in this Crockpot Pineapple Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
• Red Bell Pepper (optional)
• Lime Juice
• Corn Starch
• Brown Sugar
• Soy Sauce (I use low sodium)
• Sweet Orange Marmalade
• Salt & Black Pepper
• Ginger
• Canned Pineapple Chunks
• Sliced Green Onions
• Sesame Seeds (optional)
• Hot Cooked Rice (I use white rice) - See recipe card for directions to cook rice.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
1. Gather the ingredients together. Cube the chicken and chop the red bell pepper, if using.
2. Place the chicken pieces, and red bell pepper (if using) into the slow cooker (I didn't use it this time, but sometimes I do!).
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice and corn starch until smooth.
4. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, orange marmalade, salt, pepper, and ginger to the bowl.
5. Whisk well.
6. Pour sauce over the chicken. Stir.
7. Add the drained can of pineapple chunks (save the juice for another recipe).
8. Stir well, then cover and cook on Low for 3-4 hours or on High for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked.
9. Stir in half of the green onion slices.
10. Serve on a bed of rice and garnish with with the remaining green onions, and sesame seeds (if using).
Tips for Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
• Make it less sweet - Reduce the amount of brown sugar or orange marmalade.
• What to do with the pineapple juice - Save it for other recipes like marinades or cocktails.
• Adjust the recipe quantity - This recipe can easily be doubled or halved. Ensure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased or decreased volume.
• Spiciness Level: Adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a diced jalapeño to the sauce mixture. Taste as you go to achieve the desired level of spiciness.
Substitutions for Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
- Chicken Alternatives: You can substitute the chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins if you prefer white meat. Chicken breasts tend to cook faster, so adjust the cook time accordingly to prevent dryness.
- Protein Alternatives: If you're looking for non-chicken options, you can try using boneless pork shoulder or pork loin, or beef stew meat. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
- Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian version of this dish, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein such as seitan, tempeh, or firm tofu. Adjust cook time as needed for the specific protein used.
- Gluten-Free: You can substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer alternatives to brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead. Adjust the quantities to taste and keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the flavor profile.
- Citrus Variation: While lime juice adds a bright flavor, you can experiment with other citrus juices such as lemon or orange for a different twist. Each citrus juice will impart its unique taste to the dish.
- Vegetable Options: Add your favorite vegetables. Instead of red bell peppers, try using green bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli florets. Ensure that the vegetables you choose have similar cooking times.
- Rice Alternatives: Try jasmine rice, brown rice, or alternatives like quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
- Garnish Varieties: Instead of sesame seeds, try topping the dish with chopped cilantro, toasted coconut flakes, sliced almonds, or even crushed macadamia nuts for added texture and flavor.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken?
• Serve over rice or with grains, as mentioned, or serve with another tasty dish that will complement this recipe.
• Macaroni Salad goes well with the flavor of the tangy sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Serve warm dinner rolls alongside the Hawaiian chicken. These soft, slightly sweet rolls are a perfect accompaniment.
• A green salad is a nice side dish.
• Coleslaw
• Classic Cucumber Salad
• Fruit Salad (traditional or tropical).
How to Store Leftover Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
- Cool the chicken completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the leftover chicken in a freezer-safe containers or a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight (or defrost in a microwave).
- Reheat a microwave or stovetop on low heat.
More Easy Chicken Recipes for a Delicious Meal
Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
Chicken Taco Macaroni Salad
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Give this yummy recipe a try and discover the delightful flavors of this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or looking for a stress-free meal for busy weeknights, this juicy Hawaiian chicken dish is sure to impress.
If you make this sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe, please let me know! Just leave a comment below, with a star rating. I'd love to hear your feedback!
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Equipment
- 4 quart Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken Thighs cubed
- ½ Red Bell Pepper chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup Lime Juice
- ¼ cup Corn Starch
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ½ cup Soy Sauce (I use low sodium)
- ¼ cup Sweet Orange Marmalade
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Ginger
- 1 21-ounce can Pineapple Chunks drained
- ½ cup Sliced Green Onions divided
Garnish
- Sesame Seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients together. Cube the chicken and chop the red bell pepper, if using.
- Place the chicken thighs, and red bell pepper (if using) into the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice and corn starch until smooth.
- Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, orange marmalade, salt, pepper, and ginger to the bowl. Mix well and pour over the chicken. Stir.
- Add the drained pineapple chunks (save the juice for another recipe) and stir.
- Cook on Low for 3-4 hours or on High for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked.
- Stir in half of the green onion slices.
- Serve over hot cooked rice and garnish with with the remaining green onions, and sesame seeds (if using).
Notes
Cooking Long Grain White Rice
Here's a simple method to cook fluffy white rice:- Measure 1 ½ cups of rice and 3 cups of water (can be doubled).
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove any excess starch. Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve or colander and run it under water until the water runs clear.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the rice and stir it. Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the rice to simmer gently for 18 minutes, undisturbed. Avoid opening the lid during this time.
- After the cooking time, turn off the heat and remove the lid. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently.
Tracy says
We loved this recipe! I shared it with my neighbor who is older and he enjoyed it too.