Treat yourself to the tropical flavors of Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken, an easy and delicious meal that combines tender chicken chunks with the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple and a savory soy sauce-based marinade. This dish is perfect for those who want a flavorful, hands-off meal that cooks itself while you go about your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Cooking: Just set up your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Flavorful: The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a rich, flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
- Versatile: Serve over rice for a satisfying meal or use as a filling for tacos or wraps for a fun twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb chicken (white or dark meat), cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 medium can pineapple chunks (optional)
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional, Vidalia recommended)
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. If using, chop the onion and cut the green bell pepper into chunks.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a slow cooker, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
- Place the chicken chunks into the slow cooker. Add the pineapple chunks, chopped onion, and green bell pepper. Stir to ensure that all ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when done.
Step 5: Serve
- Towards the end of the cooking time, prepare rice according to package instructions.
- Serve the pineapple chicken over cooked rice, making sure to spoon plenty of the sauce and vegetables onto each plate.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
- Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside zucchini noodles.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm up in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a little water or additional pineapple juice if the sauce thickens too much upon reheating.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken, a hassle-free meal that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table, making it a perfect dish for both weeknights and special occasions alike.
