Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
This is a great meal to throw together on a weeknight. I also like to make a freezer meal out of it for days I just don't feel like cooking.
This is a great meal to throw together on a weeknight. I also like to make a freezer meal out of it for days I just don't feel like cooking.
- Carbohydrate 154.33725017538 g
- Cholesterol 410.64 mg
- Fat 9.57495000144923 g
- Fiber 7.05324995264229 g
- Protein 171.377250018279 g
- Saturated Fat 2.42589000018843 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1303g)
- Sodium 509.290000082819 mg
- Sugar 147.284000222738 g
- Trans Fat 2.70764750067359 g
- Calories 1392 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, add the salt, pepper, brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, and pineapple with the juice. Stir well.
- Pour over the chicken and stir to coat the meat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- When cooking is done, remove the meat and shred it.
- Place the chicken back into the crock pot and stir.
- If you want a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons of cold water; mix well and pour into sauce.
- Simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Serve hot, over rice if desired.
- Electric Pressure Cooker Method: Place the chicken in the bottom of the cooker.
- Mix the sauce together, pour it into the cooker.
- Stir the mixture, allowing the pineapple to get under the meat to help it stay off the bottom.
- Cover and set the valve to closed.
- Press the Meat/Chicken button for a time of 15 minutes.
- When the timer goes off and cooking is complete, let the steam release naturally.
- Press the cancel button and remove the lid carefully.
- Remove the chicken and shred it, then return it back to the sauce.
- Stir the mixture.
- In a small bowl, add the cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water. Mix well with a fork.
- Pour the slurry into the sauce and stir well.
- Hit the Meat/Chicken button and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Serve hot, over rice if desired.
My Go-To Weeknight Hawaiian Chicken
As a busy mom of three, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner feels like a constant uphill battle. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and the never-ending laundry pile, whipping up something elaborate is simply not an option most nights. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of crock-pot recipes – they’re my secret weapon for effortless weeknight meals. And this Hawaiian Chicken? It’s an absolute winner.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The ingredients are readily available, and the preparation is minimal. I usually throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning before heading out for the day, and by the time dinner rolls around, the house is filled with the irresistible aroma of sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken. The kids devour it, and honestly, so do I! It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a tender chicken that just melts in your mouth. The pineapple adds a delightful tanginess that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce, creating a truly unforgettable flavour profile.
Beyond weeknights, this recipe is also a lifesaver for meal prepping. I often double the recipe and freeze half for those crazy busy days when even the thought of cooking seems overwhelming. Simply defrost overnight, and you have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in a flash. This is especially handy during the school year, when after-school activities keep us on the go. It's a comforting, familiar taste that always feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: For a quicker option, bake the chicken and sauce on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for a more complete meal.
- Serve it differently: This chicken is fantastic over rice, quinoa, or even served in tacos or lettuce wraps.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
This Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of efficiency and deliciousness. It's the kind of dish that allows me to spend quality time with my family instead of being stuck in the kitchen all evening. It's a testament to the fact that delicious, home-cooked meals are possible even on the busiest of days. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will quickly become a family favourite in your household too. It's the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, a win-win that makes even the most hectic weeknights a little bit easier.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Brown sugar
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Hickory BBQ sauce
- Canned pineapple tidbits
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability; it's a true blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or adjust the seasonings to your liking. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. And most importantly, it's a recipe that celebrates the simple joys of a home-cooked meal, a warm, happy family, and a little bit of time saved in the often chaotic rhythm of modern life. Enjoy!
