Tropical Magic: Easy Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Crafting delectable crock pot sticky hawaiian chicken promises a culinary adventure that transports you straight to tropical paradise.

Succulent chicken marinates in a vibrant blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

Pineapple chunks and savory soy sauce create an irresistible combination that melts in your mouth.

Island-inspired spices dance through each tender bite, promising a meal that feels like a mini vacation.

Minimal preparation ensures maximum enjoyment, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, turning an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

What Makes Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken So Tasty

• Simplify Meal Prep: This crockpot recipe eliminates complex cooking steps, allowing you to dump ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work with minimal effort.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired sauce combines pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar, delivering a delicious tropical taste that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this sticky chicken over rice, in tacos, on sandwiches, or as a protein-packed meal that adapts to different dining preferences and can be prepared for multiple occasions like family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Using a single cooking appliance means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe perfect for busy individuals who want a delicious meal without extensive kitchen cleanup.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that becomes succulent and flavorful when slow-cooked in the Hawaiian-inspired sauce.

• Pineapple Juice: Adds a sweet and tangy tropical flavor to the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami base and helps tenderize the meat.
• Ketchup: Contributes a rich tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
• Minced Garlic: Brings a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy texture.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Provide a nutty crunch and fresh, sharp flavor as a finishing touch.

How to Prepare Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a single layer of protein ready to absorb delicious tropical flavors.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Infuse Chicken with Tropical Goodness

Pour the entire sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets coated. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender.

Step 4: Transform Chicken into Tender Pieces

Carefully remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, gently pull and separate the meat into soft, delectable shreds.

Step 5: Create Luscious Sauce Consistency

In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until completely smooth. Pour this mixture into the existing sauce inside the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes to create a rich, glossy sauce.

Step 6: Final Flavor Fusion

Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to ensure every piece gets generously coated with the thickened sauce. Serve over fluffy white rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pro Tips for Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Opt for fresh chicken breasts to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness in this Hawaiian-inspired dish.
• Choose low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.
• Drain pineapple juice carefully to maintain the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in the sauce.
• Shred chicken while it's still warm for easier and more consistent texture throughout the meal.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions just before serving to keep their crunch and fresh appearance.

Variations to Try with Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Spicy Jalapeño Hawaiian Chicken: Add diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick that complements the sweet pineapple flavors.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace soy sauce with balsamic vinegar, add dried oregano, basil, and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Coconut Curry Hawaiian Chicken: Incorporate coconut milk and mild curry powder into the sauce, creating a rich and aromatic tropical version.
• Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken: Swap ketchup with teriyaki sauce and add extra pineapple chunks for an intensified Hawaiian-Japanese fusion experience.

Suggested Pairings for Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Savor Tropical Beverage Harmony: Pair this sweet and tangy Hawaiian chicken with refreshing drinks that complement its rich flavors.
• Sip Fruity Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic mai tai or pineapple mojito to echo the tropical notes and balance the dish's sweetness.
• Match Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer to cut through the chicken's rich sauce and enhance its Hawaiian-inspired profile.
• Boost Flavor with Citrus Mocktail: Create a non-alcoholic passion fruit spritzer or Hawaiian punch to mirror the recipe's bright, zesty character.

Storage Tips for Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chicken and sauce together. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency. Maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated thoroughly to 165°F.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or pineapple juice to restore moisture. Stir occasionally until evenly heated and sauce reaches desired consistency.

FAQs for Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and reach a safe internal temperature.

• What if I don't have pineapple juice?

You can substitute with orange juice or use the liquid from canned pineapple chunks as an alternative.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your ketchup is gluten-free.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture if you want to increase the heat level.

Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crock pot sticky Hawaiian chicken blends sweet pineapple and tangy soy sauce for a tropical dinner sensation. Hawaiian flavors meld perfectly with tender chicken, creating a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup (75 grams) brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring no overlap for uniform cooking.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together tangy pineapple juice, rich soy sauce, zesty ketchup, caramelized brown sugar, and aromatic minced garlic until ingredients integrate smoothly.
3. Cascade the prepared sauce directly over the chicken, completely covering the meat to infuse maximum flavor during cooking.
4. Secure the lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing chicken to become supremely tender and absorb Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
5. Carefully extract chicken from the liquid and utilize two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate, succulent strands.
6. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water until completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
7. Incorporate the cornstarch mixture into the remaining cooking liquid, stirring continuously to promote even thickening and glossy texture.
8. Continue cooking uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, clingy consistency.
9. Reintroduce shredded chicken into the thickened sauce, gently folding to ensure each piece becomes lavishly coated.
10. Transfer the glistening chicken over steamed rice, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and create a more balanced flavor profile.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender and juicy result, especially if cooking on high heat.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and checking ketchup ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg