Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken – This crockpot pineapple chicken just needs 15 minutes of prep time on a busy week and the chicken you will get is so tender and juicy that consist of crispy chicken thighs, pineapple chunks, and other fresh veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With a slow cooker doing all the hard work, you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and a hint of spice create a harmony of flavors.
- Versatile: Customize this dish to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or ingredient availability.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this tropical twist on classic chicken.
This slow cooker hawaiian pineapple chicken is a perfect recipe to serve over rice and is sure to become your family favorite. If you are looking for the stove top skillet pineapple chicken you can check it here which I have already shared.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Thighs? Can I Use Chicken Breast?
Look, I always recommend you to make this recipe with chicken thighs because in chicken breast you will not get that extra juicy flavor and it turn out a little dry. But yes, you can make this hawaiian pulled chicken slow cooker recipe with breasts instead.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Teriyaki Style: Swap brown sugar for honey and add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy teriyaki vibe.
- Hawaiian-Inspired: Include bell peppers and onions for a more vibrant, island-inspired dish.
How to Store and Reheat
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked pineapple chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
- Over Rice: Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
- With Veggies: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- As a Taco Filling: Shred the chicken and use it as a tropical filling for tacos, topped with coleslaw or fresh cilantro.
- In Bowls: Create a bowl with rice, veggies, and chicken for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking.
2. Is fresh pineapple better than canned?
Fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple works perfectly and is more convenient.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, simply transfer everything to the slow cooker.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity.
5. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken?
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken - This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and a savory glaze that’s perfect for any occasion, weeknight dinner or planning a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 small red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in natural juice
- 1 (5-ounce) can water chestnuts
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Serving:
- Cooked rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice
Instructions
- Lightly spray your slow cooker with baking spray.
- Arrange the thighs in a single layer on top.
- Take a mixing bowl and drain the pineapple juice from the can, add cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Pour all over the chicken. Add the red pepper and pineapple chunks
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 - 2 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and vegetable mixture to a plate.
- Take a small saucepan, strain the sauce and simmer for 4-5 on high, stirring frequently until reduced by half.
- Add the sauce back to the slow cooker along with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Add green onion and water chestnuts, stir until well combined.
- Serve hot with brown rice, cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
6Amount Per Serving Calories 409Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 184mgSodium 685mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 2gSugar 14gProtein 40g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Still Hungry! Try These Other Delicious Chicken Recipes:
- Best Chicken Vegetable Soup
- Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
- Pan Fried Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Breast and Rice Instant pot
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken is a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Its sweet and savory flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a winner for any meal plan. Whether you’re serving it over rice, adding it to tacos, or freezing leftovers for later, this dish is as practical as it is delicious.
