Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

This Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The tender, shredded chicken is cooked in a tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, giving it that classic Hawaiian-inspired taste. With minimal prep time, this easy slow-cooker recipe is a weeknight favorite that the whole family will love. Serve it over rice for a complete, mouthwatering meal!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
3. Pour Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the crockpot, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce to coat evenly.
8. Serve: Serve the sticky Hawaiian chicken over steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 4 hours (on high) or 6-8 hours (on low)
• Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes (on high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (on low)
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or pineapple chunks directly into the crockpot to make it a one-pot meal.
• Spicy version: Add a little bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use thighs: Swap out the chicken breasts for bone-in chicken thighs for even more flavor and moisture.
• Pineapple variations: Instead of using pineapple juice, you could use fresh pineapple or canned pineapple chunks for an extra burst of tropical sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook on low for the full 8 hours or high for 4 hours. There’s no need to thaw them first.
2. Can I make this without ketchup?
   If you don’t have ketchup, you can substitute with tomato sauce or a combination of tomato paste and a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness to the dish, but be sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using bone-in thighs.
4. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
   While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can make it on the stovetop by simmering the chicken and sauce over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Can I add vegetables?
   Yes! You can add bell peppers, onions, carrots, or even some pineapple chunks to the slow cooker with the chicken for added flavor and texture.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
7. What should I serve this with?
   Serve this dish over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of steamed veggies.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a larger crockpot to accommodate the increased volume.
9. How can I make this dish less sweet?
   If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. You can also use less pineapple juice or balance the sweetness with a bit of vinegar or lime juice.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store the sauce and chicken in the fridge and cook it the day of, or you can freeze it for later use.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken is the ultimate easy and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory soy sauce and garlic. The slow cooker does all the work, making this a hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy days. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Add some rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and enjoy a deliciously sticky, sweet, and savory meal!

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