There’s something about the smell of pineapple and ginger mingling in the slow cooker that instantly transports me somewhere warm and breezy. I remember one evening, distracted by a phone call I couldn’t quite follow, I glanced over just in time to see the sauce bubbling gently around the chicken and peppers. The kitchen felt cozy, even though my mind was halfway through a to-do list I’d probably never finish that day. The sweet aroma nudged me back, reminding me that dinner was almost ready—no stress, no last-minute scrambling, just a quiet, tasty pause in the evening.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The hands-off cooking means you can set it and forget it, even if you’re juggling other things.
- The combination of pineapple and bell peppers adds a bright pop of color and flavor that feels festive without being complicated.
- The sauce is sweet and tangy with a hint of heat, but it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- It’s a great way to enjoy a tropical-inspired meal any night of the week without fancy ingredients or techniques.
If you’re wondering whether this slow cooker approach really locks in flavor, it absolutely does. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, soaking up all those vibrant tastes while you go about your day.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Hawaiian
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with pineapple, bell peppers, and a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 small onion, sliced
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the pineapple chunks, sliced red and green bell peppers, and sliced onion on top of the chicken.
In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 4 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker and place on a serving platter, keeping warm.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry.
Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Hawaiian over cooked white rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Kitchen Notes:
No need for anything fancy here—just your trusty slow cooker will do the trick. Serving this over rice is my go-to, but I’ve also tried it with quinoa or even cauliflower rice when I wanted something lighter. Sometimes I toss in a handful of snap peas near the end for extra crunch, though I haven’t tested that enough to say it’s a must. If you feel like mixing up the sauce, a splash of orange juice can add a nice twist, but it’s just as good as is.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but add extra cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is the sauce very spicy? It has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or skip them if you prefer milder flavors.
Can I prepare it ahead of time? You can assemble everything the night before and refrigerate it, then start the slow cooker when you’re ready.
Ready to let your slow cooker do the work and bring a taste of the islands to your table? Save this one and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s as relaxing as it is delicious.