crockpot pineapple chicken recipe

crockpot pineapple chicken recipe

The Best crockpot pineapple chicken recipe

I’ve always been a fan of crockpot recipes, and this pineapple chicken recipe is one of my favorites. It’s a classic Hawaiian-inspired dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it’s ready to go in just a few hours. I like to serve it with some steamed vegetables or a side of rice to soak up all the juices.

My family loves it when I make this for dinner, and it’s also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some extra protein and healthy carbs. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress. The key to this dish is letting the flavors meld together in the crockpot, so be patient and don’t rush it.

Trust me, it’s worth the wait. This recipe has its roots in traditional Hawaiian cuisine, where chicken was often cooked in large quantities over an open flame. The addition of pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the chicken perfectly. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for a special event, this crockpot pineapple chicken recipe is sure to please. The beauty of crockpot cooking lies in its ability to transform tough cuts of meat into tender, fall-apart goodness. In this case, the chicken becomes so tender that it practically shreds itself apart. The low heat and moisture-rich environment of the crockpot work wonders on even the toughest pieces of meat, making them tender and juicy in no time.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste. Want more heat? Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos. Prefer less sweetness?

Use less pineapple or substitute in another fruit like mango or peaches. As I mentioned earlier, I love serving this with steamed veggies or a side of rice to soak up all the juices. You can also try serving it with some toasted coconut flakes or chopped fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.

Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

4.9 from 1362 votes

This sweet and savory crockpot pineapple chicken is an easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken thighs are slow cooked in a tangy pineapple sauce until they are fall apart tender.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and season them evenly with salt and black pepper.
2In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed pineapple with its juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is dissolved.
3Pour the pineapple mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure all pieces are coated.
4Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
5Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
6In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry, then whisk the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
7Increase the slow cooker heat to high and cook the sauce uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
8While the sauce thickens, shred the chicken into bite sized pieces using two forks.
9Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it evenly with the thickened sauce.
10Serve the pineapple chicken immediately over steamed rice or with your choice of vegetables.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Small bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 140mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered an additional 5 minutes. You can substitute chicken breasts but reduce cooking time to 3 hours on low to prevent drying out.

Watch Video Of How Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Works

This crockpot pineapple chicken recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner option. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort from you.

Simply throw all the ingredients into your crockpot, set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 2-3), and voilà! You’ll have tender, juicy chicken that’s packed with flavor.

This dish also freezes beautifully, so feel free to stash leftovers away in your freezer for future meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

The best type of chicken to use for this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned, but keep in mind that fresh pineapple will add more moisture to the dish.

Q: How long does this recipe take to cook?

This recipe takes approximately 2-3 hours to cook on high or 6-8 hours on low.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a regular oven instead of a crockpot?

No, you cannot make this recipe in a regular oven instead of a crockpot because the slow cooking process is essential for tenderizing the chicken.

Q: What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

You can substitute pineapple juice with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if you don’t have pineapple juice.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

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