Easy Sweet Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Pineapple and Peppers for Perfect Family Dinners
A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe combining tender chicken thighs, sweet pineapple, and crisp bell peppers in a tangy, sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 14 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 large bell peppers (about 1 cup sliced), mix of red and green
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs. Slice the bell peppers into ½ inch strips. Mince the garlic and grate fresh ginger if using.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger until sugar dissolves.
- Place chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour sauce evenly over chicken. Scatter pineapple chunks and sliced peppers on top without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fork-tender.
- About 20 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir into crockpot, cover, and cook on high for remaining 20 minutes to thicken sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top before serving.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; breasts can be used but reduce cooking time. Add frozen peppers in last hour to avoid mushiness. Substitute arrowroot powder for cornstarch for gluten-free option. Thicken sauce near end to control consistency. Pair with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot chicken, Hawaiian chicken, slow cooker recipe, pineapple chicken, sweet and savory chicken, family dinner, easy dinner, bell peppers, slow cooker meals