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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered with a flavorful mix of pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy-sweet soy-based sauce. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker for hours, this dish offers a tropical flair with the natural sweetness of pineapple and orange juice, balanced by the bright zing of lime and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. An easy and delicious meal idea that pairs beautifully with steamed rice and vegetables.

  • Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, cut into 1-2 inch pieces) or chicken breasts

Sauce & Marinade

  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 20oz can pineapple chunks (do NOT drain)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons orange juice (for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)

Vegetables & Garnishes

  • 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 4 green onions (sliced)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Slivered almonds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat: Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the sesame oil. Once hot, sear the chicken pieces until they are nicely browned on all sides to lock in flavor.
  2. Add to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the slow cooker.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the low-sodium soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, lime zest, pineapple chunks (with juice), red and yellow bell peppers, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. Thicken Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, mix the cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of orange juice until dissolved to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, close the lid again, and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the Hawaiian chicken warm, garnished with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and slivered almonds. It pairs perfectly with white rice and steamed vegetables on the side.

Notes

  • For a leaner option, use chicken breasts instead of thighs but adjust cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Do not drain the pineapple chunks; the juice adds essential sweetness and moisture to the dish.
  • Make sure to sear the chicken before slow cooking to develop richer flavor and color.
  • The slow cooker settings can vary by model; check tenderness before extending cooking time.
  • Garnish with toasted slivered almonds and sesame seeds for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/slow-cooker-hawaiian-chicken-recipe/