This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is packed with pineapple flavor thanks to the combination of pineapple preserves and canned pineapple. Serve it over rice for a quick weeknight dinner!
one 20-ounce can pineapple chunksdrained; set aside pineapple chunks
½cupketchup
⅓cuplow-sodium soy sauce
⅓cuplight brown sugarpacked
2tablespoonsrice wine vinegar
1tablespoonlime juice
1tablespoonsesame oil
1 to 2tablespoonsAsian chili-garlic saucefound in the Asian aisle of most major grocery stores; sriracha may be substituted
2clovesgarlicpeeled and finely minced or pressed with a garlic press
2teaspoonsground ginger
½teaspoonsaltor to taste
½teaspoonpepperor to taste
1tablespoonolive oil
1.75 to 2poundsboneless skinless chicken breastscut into 1-inch pieces
⅓cupcornstarch
3tablespoonsfresh cilantro leavesfinely minced for garnishing
3tablespoonsgreen onionssliced into thin rounds for garnishing
Instructions
To a large bowl, add the pineapple preserves, pineapple juice (save and set aside the pineapple chunks), ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, chili-garlic sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and whisk to combine; set sauce aside.
Line a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker with a liner if using one. I prefer to use liners for easy cleanup.
Drizzle olive oil over bottom of the liner or slow cooker; set aside.
To a large, gallon-sized ziptop plastic bag, add the chicken, cornstarch, seal bag, and toss to coat chicken evenly. Add chicken to slow cooker, evenly distributed.
Add the pineapple chunks over the chicken, evenly distributed
Pour pineapple sauce mixture over the top, using a spoon to distribute the sauce if necessary, making sure all pieces are coated.
Cook covered on high for about 2 hours or on low for about 4 hours. If cooking on high, start checking at 90 minutes (mine was done at 1 hour 40 minutes) and if cooking on low, start checking at 3 hours. All slow cookers vary so cook until chicken is done (reaches 165F on an instant read thermometer).
Add chicken and pineapple to a plate with as much extra cooking sauce spooned over the top as desired, garnish with cilantro, green onions, and serve immediately. Dish is best warm and fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently as desired.