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Savory Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Easy Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce

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A flavorful and easy slow cooker Hawaiian chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks with a sweet, salty, and tangy island-inspired taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture is well combined to make the pineapple teriyaki sauce base.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Scatter the fresh pineapple chunks evenly over the chicken.
  4. Pour the prepared pineapple teriyaki sauce over the chicken and pineapple without stirring.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Optionally, turn the chicken gently at the 3-hour mark for even cooking.
  6. About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Recover and cook for the remaining time.
  7. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and pineapple to a serving dish, stir the sauce to coat evenly, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free. Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version. Frozen pineapple can be used if fresh is unavailable. For extra caramelization, broil chicken for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking. If slow cooker runs hot, start checking at 3 ½ hours to avoid drying out chicken. Fresh garlic and ginger are recommended for best flavor. Cornstarch slurry is essential to thicken the sauce and achieve a glossy finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Hawaiian chicken, pineapple teriyaki sauce, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, chicken thighs, tropical chicken, family meal

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/savory-slow-cooker-hawaiian-chicken-recipe-with-easy-pineapple-teriyaki-sauce/