Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
A fuss-free, flavor-packed slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken infused with sweet pineapple and homemade teriyaki sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional, toasted)
- Cooked white or brown rice, to serve
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken. Trim any excess fat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until sugar dissolves.
- Place chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour pineapple chunks evenly over the chicken, then pour the teriyaki sauce mixture on top without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Pour into the crockpot, stir gently, cover, and cook on high to thicken the sauce.
- Shred the chicken with two forks in the crockpot or transfer to a plate and shred. Stir shredded chicken back into the sauce.
- Serve over cooked jasmine rice and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner option. Drain pineapple well to avoid watery sauce. Keep lid closed during cooking to retain moisture. Cornstarch slurry is key for thickening sauce. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari; for paleo, use coconut aminos. Frozen chicken can be used but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours on low.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with chicken,
- Calories: 350400
- Fat: 68
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, Hawaiian, teriyaki chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, pineapple chicken, comfort food