Description
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make slow cooker recipe featuring tender cubed chicken breasts simmered with pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and a tangy-sweet soy-based marinade. This comforting dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for a hassle-free weeknight dinner served over rice and optionally garnished with fresh scallions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces small can of pineapple chunks with juices
Optional Garnishes and Serving
- Scallions, sliced, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In your slow cooker insert, combine the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients into a flavorful base sauce.
- Add main ingredients: Add the cubed chicken breasts, diced red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks along with their juices directly into the slow cooker. Gently stir the mixture to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the marinade sauce.
- Cook low and slow: Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it on low heat. Let the chicken cook for 4 to 6 hours until it is tender and fully cooked through. Alternatively, you can cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, but adjust timing carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Taste and adjust: About 30 minutes before serving, open the lid and taste the sauce. Adjust flavors by adding more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for sweetness if desired. Stir gently to incorporate any additions.
- Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is adjusted, serve the dish hot, garnished with sliced scallions if using. For a complete meal, serve over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Use soy sauce cautiously as it can be quite salty; always taste before adding extra seasoning.
- Keep an eye on the slow cooker especially if cooking on high to prevent the chicken from drying out or becoming overcooked.
