Tender Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Sweet Pineapple Glaze
A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks or canned (drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 green onions, sliced thin for garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the pineapple glaze over the chicken, then scatter the pineapple chunks on top. Stir gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- About 20 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and turn heat to high if on low. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top.
- Serve warm over steamed rice or alongside a fresh salad.
Notes
Do not lift the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. Optional browning of chicken before slow cooking adds depth but is not necessary. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. To thicken glaze without cornstarch, use arrowroot powder or reduce sauce by cooking uncovered on high. Fresh pineapple preferred for brightness but canned works well. Adjust sweetness and saltiness by tasting before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Hawaiian chicken, pineapple glaze, easy dinner, sweet and savory chicken, crockpot recipe