Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Key Ingredients:
Chicken: You can use either white or dark meat, depending on your preference. Dark meat like chicken thighs will stay juicier and add extra flavor, while chicken breast is leaner and cooks up tender in the sauce.
Pineapple Juice: For best results, use pure pineapple juice. If you’re using canned pineapple chunks, save the juice and use it in the recipe to enhance the tropical flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to keep the dish from becoming too salty, especially since the slow cooker can concentrate flavors.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar provides a caramel-like sweetness that enhances the pineapple flavor.
Optional Vegetables: Vidalia onion and green bell pepper add color and texture, while also balancing the sweetness. These can be skipped if you prefer a simpler dish, but they do add wonderful flavor.
Garnishes: A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds adds a final touch, providing freshness and a bit of crunch.

Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Cut the Chicken: Slice 1-2 pounds of chicken into bite-sized chunks.
Chop the Vegetables: Dice 1 onion and cut 1 green bell pepper into chunks (if using).

Step 2: Mix the Sauce
Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a slow cooker, mix together:
1 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
Dissolve Sugar: Stir well to make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Add Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, along with pineapple chunks (from a 15-oz can), diced onion, and green bell pepper chunks.
Stir to Coat: Mix everything to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pineapple Chicken
Set Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 5: Prepare Rice and Serve
Cook Rice: While the chicken is finishing, prepare white or jasmine rice.
Serve: Spoon the pineapple chicken over the rice, ensuring each serving includes a good mix of sauce and vegetables.

Serve it up over fluffy rice, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions, and savor a taste of the islands in your own home!