Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Introduction
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for a wholesome family meal. This slow-cooked dish combines tender chicken with a tangy, tropical-inspired sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for an effortless weeknight dinner option, this recipe promises to satisfy with its simplicity and deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Cooking: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thickening the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will thicken the sauce to a desirable consistency.
- Serving: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and slice or shred it, as desired. Serve the chicken over steamed rice or quinoa, spooning the sweet Hawaiian sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 30g
Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints
- Each serving is approximately 5 SmartPoints, making it a satisfying yet smart choice for those on the WW program.
Additional Tips
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Fresh pineapple chunks can be added during the last hour of cooking for extra sweetness and texture.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Conclusion
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is not only a flavorful dish but also a convenient option for busy households. Its combination of savory soy sauce, sweet pineapple juice, and aromatic garlic and ginger creates a harmonious blend that will keep everyone coming back for more. With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the taste of the islands from the comfort of your own home with this delicious slow-cooked meal.