Go Back
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) - 1 cup diced bell peppers (use red and orange for vibrant color) - 1/2 cup red onion, diced - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Cooked jasmine rice (for serving) To make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, gather these ingredients first. The chicken thighs form the base of the dish. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Pineapple adds sweetness, while bell peppers bring color and crunch. Red onion adds a mild flavor that complements the dish well. The sauce is simple but packed with flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce gives it a rich, umami taste. Honey balances the saltiness with its sweetness. Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang. Garlic and ginger enhance the dish with warmth and depth. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. You can garnish the final dish with green onions for a pop of color. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice. Enjoy the tropical flavors! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Seasoning the Chicken: Start with 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place them in the bottom of your crockpot. Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on top. This will bring out the chicken's flavor. - Placing in the Crockpot: Make sure the chicken is evenly spread out. This helps it cook well. You want each piece to soak up the sauce later. - Mixing Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of pineapple chunks, 1 cup of diced bell peppers, and 1/2 cup of red onion. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. Stir everything together. Ensure all the ingredients blend well. - Pouring Over Chicken: Once mixed, carefully pour the colorful sauce over the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well coated. This will help it absorb all the great flavors. - Selecting Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be. - Shredding Chicken After Cooking: When the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it back into the sauce and veggies. This helps the flavors mix evenly. If you want a thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high for 30 more minutes. How to Ensure Tender Chicken To get tender chicken, choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These will stay juicy and flavorful. Season them lightly with salt and pepper before placing them in the crockpot. Cooking on low for 6 to 7 hours gives the chicken time to break down. If you're short on time, the high setting for 3 to 4 hours works too. Always shred the chicken in the crockpot. This helps mix it with the sauce and keeps it moist. Achieving the Right Sauce Consistency For a thick sauce, check the consistency before serving. If the sauce is too thin, cook on high with the lid off for 30 minutes. This helps reduce the liquid. Stir the sauce well after shredding the chicken. You can also adjust the flavors by adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness. Best Accompaniments Serve your sweet Hawaiian chicken over fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the sauce, making each bite delicious. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for added crunch. For a tropical twist, try adding slices of fresh pineapple on the side. Presentation Ideas For a beautiful presentation, use individual bowls. Spoon the chicken and sauce over the rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for color. You can also add a wedge of pineapple on the side. This makes the dish look inviting and fun! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh pineapple and bell peppers for better flavor and texture in your dish. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can modify the amount of honey to make the dish sweeter or less sweet. Marinate for More Flavor: For an even more flavorful dish, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. Serve with Variety: Try serving the chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for added color and nutrition. {{image_4}} Enhancing Flavor with Spices You can add spices to boost flavor. Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat if you like spice. Fresh herbs, like cilantro or basil, also add a bright touch. Alternative Vegetables Feel free to swap out the bell peppers. Zucchini or snap peas work great too. Carrots add a sweet crunch and color. You can even use frozen mixed veggies to save time. Instant Pot Version If you want a faster meal, use the Instant Pot. First, season your chicken and add it to the pot. Layer the sauce and veggies on top. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken. Stovetop Quick Method For a stovetop option, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and brown it on both sides. Then add the sauce and veggies. Cover the pan and simmer for about 20 minutes. Shred the chicken when it’s tender. Refrigeration Guidelines After you enjoy your sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. The chicken can stay good for up to four days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This helps keep moisture in and prevents spoilage. Freezing Tips If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. Best Methods for Reheating To reheat your sweet Hawaiian chicken, the best method is using the stovetop. Place it in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Maintaining Flavor and Texture To keep the flavor and texture, avoid overheating. If you notice it’s drying out, add a splash of water or soy sauce. This helps to keep it juicy and full of flavor. Enjoy it over fresh jasmine rice again for a tasty meal! Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook well in the crockpot. However, chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If you prefer breasts, keep an eye on cooking time. They may cook faster than thighs. How to make the dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Look for brands made with tamari or coconut aminos. These options taste great and keep the dish safe for gluten-free diets. What can I substitute for soy sauce? If you want to avoid soy sauce, use tamari or coconut aminos. Both add a similar salty flavor. Another option is to mix broth with some vinegar. This will give a nice taste without using soy. What is the best cooking time for frozen chicken? If using frozen chicken, cook on high for 5-6 hours. When cooking on low, aim for 8-9 hours. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. Can I cook on high for a shorter time? Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours. This will still give you tender chicken. Just be sure to monitor it closely so it doesn’t overcook. This blog post covered everything you need to make a tasty chicken dish. We discussed key ingredients like chicken and vegetables. You learned how to prepare and cook everything in a crockpot. The tips and tricks help you ensure tender chicken and the best sauce. Plus, we shared variations to mix things up and ways to store leftovers. Remember, cooking can be easy and fun. With these steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal any time. Ready to try it yourself? Your kitchen adventure starts now!

Tropical Paradise Crockpot Chicken

A delicious and vibrant chicken dish cooked in a crockpot with tropical flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (use red and orange for vibrant color)
  • 0.5 cup red onion, diced
  • 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • as needed cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your crockpot. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, diced bell peppers, and red onion. To this mixture, add the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir everything together thoroughly until it's well incorporated.
  • Carefully pour the colorful mixture over the seasoned chicken thighs in the crockpot, ensuring that the chicken is well coated with the sauce and vegetables.
  • Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on the low setting for 6-7 hours or on the high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easily shred.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it back into the delicious sauce and vegetables for an even distribution of flavors.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you desire a thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce.
  • To serve, spoon the sweet Hawaiian chicken over a fluffy bed of cooked jasmine rice. Finish by garnishing with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, serve in individual bowls, garnished with a wedge of fresh pineapple and a sprinkle of additional green onions.
Keyword chicken, crockpot, easy, pineapple, tropical