Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken cooked with sweet pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy-sweet sauce for a tropical-inspired meal.

# What goes in:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, sliced

→ Fruit

05 - 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)

→ Sauce

06 - 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
07 - 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
08 - 1/4 cup ketchup
09 - 3 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
13 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

→ Thickener

14 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
15 - 2 tbsp cold water

→ Garnish

16 - 2 green onions, sliced
17 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
02 - Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks.
03 - Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
04 - In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry.
05 - During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Mix gently to combine and let the sauce thicken with the lid off for the final 30 minutes.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Pair with steamed rice if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Throw it together in 15 minutes and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting
  • The sauce thickens into this glossy perfection that coats every single piece
02 -
  • The sauce will look thin when you first add it, but that cornstarch step transforms everything
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid too often during cooking, every peek adds 15 minutes to your time
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes first, the nutty flavor is worth the extra step
  • If you want it spicy, add another half teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Return