Introduction:
Sweet and Tangy Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the sweetness of pineapple and the savory taste of chicken in a one-pot wonder. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. The combination of tangy pineapple, savory soy sauce, and a touch of honey creates a deliciously balanced sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks (with juice)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon ginger (grated or minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken sauce)
1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
2 tablespoons green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the chicken:
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with a little salt and pepper. Place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
Make the sauce:
In a bowl, combine the pineapple (with its juice), soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Stir to mix well.
Cook the chicken:
Pour the pineapple mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Thicken the sauce (optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, add the slurry to the crockpot and stir. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred or slice it as desired. Return it to the crockpot and mix with the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Serve:
Serve the Sweet and Tangy Crockpot Pineapple Chicken over rice, quinoa, or vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Description:
Sweet and Tangy Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse the chicken with an irresistible taste. The result is a savory-sweet dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the hassle.
Tips:
Use chicken thighs for extra flavor: While chicken breasts are a leaner option, chicken thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness to the dish.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more honey. If you want more tang, increase the apple cider vinegar.
Add vegetables: You can add bell peppers, onions, or snap peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
Cooked chicken: If you already have cooked chicken, simply add it to the crockpot with the sauce and heat it through for a quick version of the recipe.
Variations:
Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Pineapple Chicken with Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers into the crockpot for more color and texture.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken: After cooking, you can grill the chicken for a few minutes to add a smoky flavor before serving.
Corrections:
If the sauce is too thin, simply make a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir it into the crockpot towards the end of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce.
If the chicken is not as tender as desired, cook it a little longer in the crockpot. Chicken breasts especially can vary in size and thickness, which may affect cooking time.
Enjoy!
Sweet and Tangy Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is a delicious, no-fuss dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether served over rice or with vegetables, it’s an easy dinner that everyone will enjoy. Let the slow cooker work its magic and savor the tropical flavors with every bite!
