Who doesn’t love a delicious, hassle-free dinner that’s bursting with flavor? Our Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken is just that—a dish that’s easy to make, packed with sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired flavors, and ready to satisfy your cravings after a long day. With tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a mouthwatering sauce of pineapple, brown sugar, ginger, and soy sauce, this recipe combines the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s a slow-cooker recipe, so you can set it and forget it, letting the crock pot do all the hard work for you!
This Sticky Hawaiian Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and flavorful meal. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine the ingredients, set the crock pot, and let it work its magic. The slow-cooking process infuses the chicken with rich flavors, making it tender and juicy.
- Unique Flavor Combination: The sweetness from the pineapple and brown sugar combined with the savory notes of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a flavor profile that’s irresistibly delicious.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is loved by kids and adults alike, and it’s perfect for family meals or for impressing guests with a taste of the tropics.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even with steamed veggies for a complete meal. The sticky sauce makes it a great option for pairing with various sides.
Let’s get started with this delightful dish!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 medium yellow or sweet onion, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup packed dark or light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger
- 2 (8-ounce) cans pineapple rings, undrained
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sliced green onion (optional for garnish)
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the crock pot. This recipe works best with thighs, as they stay tender and juicy during the slow cooking process. Scatter the chopped red bell pepper and onion over the chicken.
Step 2: Make the Sauce In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger. Stir until everything is well-blended. The sauce should have a sweet and slightly tangy flavor with a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Add the Pineapple Pour both cans of pineapple rings with their juice over the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot. The pineapple juice will add natural sweetness and acidity, enhancing the dish’s tropical flavor profile.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables in the crock pot, covering everything evenly. Place the lid on the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The low, slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and infuses the chicken with delicious Hawaiian-inspired taste.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce About 15 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crock pot to thicken it. Let the chicken and sauce cook for another 15 minutes to ensure the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish Serve the Sticky Hawaiian Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired. Pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish to complete the meal.
Success Tips
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry: Adding the cornstarch slurry toward the end helps create a sticky, thickened sauce that clings to the chicken perfectly. It’s what gives this dish its characteristic “sticky” texture.
- Use Fresh Ginger for Best Flavor: Fresh ginger adds a more intense, aromatic flavor than ground ginger, enhancing the overall taste.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For a bit more heat, feel free to add extra.
- Select the Right Pineapple: Make sure to use canned pineapple in juice rather than syrup. The natural sweetness from the juice complements the dish better and prevents it from becoming overly sweet.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken upon cooling.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Notes
- Substitute for Chicken Thighs: While chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking due to their tender texture, you can use chicken breasts if preferred. Just keep in mind that breasts may cook faster and can dry out if left too long.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots or snap peas, to increase the veggie content in this dish.
Nutrition
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 27g
This dish offers a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner. The natural sweetness from the pineapple and brown sugar brings warmth, while the protein from the chicken makes it filling.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe spicier? Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You could also serve it with a drizzle of Sriracha for added heat.
2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, fresh pineapple can work well in this recipe, though the flavor will be slightly less sweet. Be sure to add a bit of extra liquid, like pineapple juice, to keep the sauce consistency intact.
3. How can I serve this dish? This Sticky Hawaiian Chicken is delicious over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, but you could also try serving it with noodles, a side of roasted veggies, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
4. How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken should be fully cooked, tender, and easy to shred. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
5. Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients if your crock pot is large enough. Just ensure the chicken is arranged in a single layer for even cooking, and monitor the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
Conclusion
Our Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken is a standout dish that combines convenience and incredible flavor, perfect for those busy days when you want something comforting and delicious. This dish brings a taste of the tropics to your table, thanks to the sweetness of pineapple, the depth of brown sugar, and the savory notes from soy sauce and garlic. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Whether you’re a fan of slow cooker recipes or simply looking for something that’s as easy to make as it is to eat, this Hawaiian chicken dish is a winner. Try it out today, and enjoy a slice of paradise in every bite!