Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken cooked slowly with pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy-sweet sauce for busy weeknights.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
→ Fruit
05 - 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
→ Sauce
06 - 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
07 - 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
08 - 1/4 cup ketchup
09 - 3 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
13 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
→ Thickener
14 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
15 - 2 tbsp cold water
→ Garnish
16 - 2 green onions, sliced
17 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until fully combined.
02 - Arrange chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks evenly over the chicken.
03 - Pour the prepared sauce evenly over all ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
04 - Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl, stirring until smooth and no lumps remain.
05 - During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Remove the lid and let simmer until sauce reaches desired consistency.
06 - Transfer to serving plates and top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or preferred side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like something from a restaurant but requires almost zero effort
- The sauce hits every perfect note sweet tangy and savory all at once
02 -
- Don't skip the step of leaving the lid off while the sauce thickens or you'll end up with soup instead of glaze
- Cornstarch needs to be mixed with COLD water or it clumps up instantly
03 -
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this gluten free
- Chicken breasts work but check them earlier so they don't dry out