Save This Hawaiian-inspired dish features tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce infused with classic Hawaiian flavors. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh ginger creates a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Perfect for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that requires minimal preparation time but delivers maximum flavor.
The slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and falls apart, while the vegetables retain their crisp-tender texture. The cornstarch slurry thickens the cooking juices into a glossy sauce that's perfect for serving over rice. This dish balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes for a truly satisfying meal.
The smell of pineapple and soy sauce simmering together always takes me back to a Tuesday when my slow cooker saved dinner completely. I had forgotten to thaw anything, but a can of pineapple juice and some chicken thighs transformed into something everyone kept asking for. My daughter actually asked if we could have that chicken again tomorrow night.
I first made this for a potluck when I was short on time and energy. The dish came back empty, and three people asked for the recipe before they even finished their plates. Now it is my go-to when I need something impressive but effortless.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless thighs stay juicier through long cooking, but breasts work if you prefer lean meat
- Pineapple juice: The base of our sauce and what gives this recipe its signature island sweetness
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty depth that balances all that sugar
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps the sauce gloss beautifully
- Ketchup: Do not skip this, it adds body and a familiar comfort element
- Rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness so every bite stays bright
- Cornstarch slurry: The secret to transforming braising liquid into actual sauce
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh is non negotiable here for that authentic aroma
- Bell peppers: They soften just enough while cooking and add pop against the dark sauce
- Pineapple chunks: Little bursts of sweetness in every bite
- Green onions: Fresh finish that wakes everything up
Instructions
- Get the chicken ready:
- Arrange the chicken pieces in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker insert
- Whisk up the sauce:
- Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar dissolves completely
- Pour and scatter:
- Pour that beautiful liquid over the chicken, then tuck in the onions, peppers, and pineapple chunks around the meat
- Let it work:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork
- Separate the good stuff:
- Lift out the chicken and vegetables onto a platter and cover loosely with foil
- Thicken the magic:
- Whisk cornstarch into water, then stir the slurry into the simmering cooking liquid and let bubble until it coats a spoon
- Bring it together:
- Pour that glossy sauce back over the chicken and vegetables
- Finish it right:
- Scatter green onions and sesame seeds on top and serve warm over rice
Save This recipe has become a regular request at family gatherings, and the slow cooker makes hosting feel effortless. There is something wonderful about serving food that tastes like you spent hours on it when really you just started it and walked away.
Make It Your Own
Red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that plays nicely with the sweet sauce. You can add them during cooking or offer them at the table so everyone can adjust their own bowl.
Serving Ideas That Work
Coconut rice pairs beautifully with the Hawaiian flavors and soaks up every drop of sauce. A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar on the side cuts through the richness and keeps the meal feeling light.
Timing Is Everything
Everything can be prepped the night before and kept in the fridge. Just pour it all into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to dinner waiting.
- Marinade the chicken for even more flavor penetration
- Double the sauce if you love extra for rice
- Cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours if you are pressed for time
Save Some nights the simplest meals become the ones everyone remembers most. This Hawaiian chicken has that magic quality of feeling special while being incredibly forgiving to make.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
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Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can become dry, so you may want to reduce the cooking time by 30-60 minutes and check for doneness earlier. Thighs are recommended for more tender, juicy results.
- → What's the best way to serve this dish?
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This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The sweet and savory flavors complement both simple and more elaborate side dishes.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
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Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your ketchup and other condiments are gluten-free. The cornstarch used for thickening is naturally gluten-free. This modification won't affect the flavor of the dish.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
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If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can double the cornstarch slurry (4 tablespoons cornstarch with 4 tablespoons water) or simmer the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the slurry. Be careful not to over-thicken, as the sauce will continue to reduce slightly when served.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply transfer it to the slow cooker and cook as directed. You may need to add 30-60 minutes to the cooking time if starting with very cold ingredients from the refrigerator.
