Description
This Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection with a vibrant mix of pineapple, bell peppers, and a sweet-savory sauce. The dish combines tropical tastes and comforting textures, making it a simple yet impressive meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Pineapple
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced, seeds removed
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups pineapple, cut into small cubes (preferably fresh)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (more to taste)
Sauce and Thickening Agents
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar as substitute)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos as substitute)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp arrowroot starch (or cornstarch as substitute)
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray your crockpot with a nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper, then place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add Vegetables and Flavorings: Layer the sliced red bell peppers, diced yellow onion, pineapple cubes, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and coconut sugar over the chicken thighs in the crockpot to build flavor.
- Mix and Pour the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and honey until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetable layers in the crockpot, allowing the sauce to permeate the ingredients as they cook.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking process makes the chicken tender and allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 to 40 minutes before serving, whisk together the arrowroot starch (or cornstarch) with water to create a smooth paste. Pour this mixture into the crockpot and stir well to combine. Continue cooking for the remaining time, letting the sauce thicken nicely.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, serve the Hawaiian chicken over cooked rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. Garnish generously with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy your tropical, flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.
- Coconut sugar can be substituted with brown sugar for a similar sweetness.
- Arrowroot starch is preferable for thickening as it creates a glossy sauce, but cornstarch works well too.
- You can add additional vegetables like snap peas or carrots for more texture.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
