Description

Craving a tropical escape on your dinner plate? Look no further than Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken! This vibrant recipe brings the sweet, savory, and colorful flavors of Hawaii to your table, featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, crisp bell peppers, and red onions, all tossed in a soy-garlic sauce and served over fluffy rice with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

For the Hawaiian Chicken

Chicken Breast (2 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces): Provides a tender, lean protein base.
- Substitution: Chicken thighs (for richer flavor), pork tenderloin, or tofu for vegetarian.
Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Adds crisp, sweet crunch (any color, e.g., red, yellow, or green).
- Substitution: Zucchini, carrots, or snap peas.
Red Onion (1, sliced): Brings sharp, pungent flavor.
- Substitution: Yellow onion, shallots, or green onions.
Pineapple Chunks (2 cups, fresh or canned): Adds sweet, tropical juiciness.
- Substitution: Mango chunks or pineapple tidbits (drain if canned).
Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Provides savory, umami depth.
- Substitution: Tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps coat ingredients and adds richness.
- Substitution: Avocado oil, sesame oil, or vegetable oil.
Minced Garlic (1 tsp): Infuses savory warmth.
- Substitution: ½ tsp garlic powder or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
- Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds mild heat.
- Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

For Serving

Cooked Rice (4 cups, cooked): Provides a fluffy, neutral base.
- Substitution: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.
Green Onions (2, chopped): Adds fresh, mild oniony crunch.
- Substitution: Chives or parsley.
Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp): Brings nutty, crunchy garnish.
- Substitution: Toasted sesame seeds, chopped almonds, or omit.

Why They’re Important: The chicken delivers a savory, protein-packed core, while pineapple and soy sauce create the signature Hawaiian sweet-savory flavor. Bell peppers and red onions add vibrant color and crunch, and rice and garnishes provide balance and texture. Olive oil and garlic enhance the dish with richness and depth.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp minced garlic, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Tip: Use fresh garlic for bolder flavor, but jarred minced garlic works for convenience. Double the sauce if you want extra for drizzling. Add 1 tsp honey or brown sugar for a sweeter profile (optional).

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place 2 lbs bite-sized chicken breast pieces, 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 sliced red onion, and 2 cups pineapple chunks in the slow cooker.
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Add ¼ cup chicken broth or pineapple juice (if using canned pineapple, use the juice) to keep the mixture moist during cooking.
- Tip: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Drain canned pineapple to avoid excess liquid. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Hawaiian Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are softened but still slightly crisp.
Stir gently halfway through if possible to ensure even cooking. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes on high to reduce slightly.
- Tip: Check doneness early with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in during the last 10 minutes. Keep pineapple chunks large to maintain texture.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook 1 cup uncooked rice (yielding about 4 cups cooked) according to package instructions (typically 15-20 minutes in 2 cups water or broth). Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Tip: Rinse rice before cooking for fluffier results. Use a rice cooker for convenience. Add a pinch of salt to the cooking water for flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Divide the cooked rice among 4 serving bowls or plates, creating a fluffy base (about 1 cup per serving).
Spoon the Hawaiian chicken mixture over the rice, ensuring each serving has a balance of chicken, bell peppers, red onions, and pineapple (about 1 ½ cups per serving).
Garnish with 2 chopped green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds, sprinkling evenly for a vibrant, crunchy finish.
Serve hot with a side of steamed broccoli, a green salad, or Hawaiian mac salad for a complete meal.
- Tip: Arrange ingredients for a colorful presentation—rice on the bottom, chicken mixture in the center, and garnishes as a vibrant crown. Warm plates or bowls for a cozy touch. Offer extra soy sauce or sesame oil on the side for customization.