Sweet Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
Slow cooker pineapple chicken simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. An easy, tropical-inspired dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into large bite-size pieces
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional but recommended)
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice, not syrup, drained (reserve 1/2 cup juice)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for depth)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps it brown a touch in the cooker and stay flavorful.
- Layer the base: Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the chicken pieces on top.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice.
- Pour and cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Add pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them bright and juicy.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water) into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on High for 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thick.
- Taste and finish: Adjust seasoning with a splash more soy sauce for salt, vinegar for brightness, or honey for sweetness. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve: Spoon over warm rice or cauliflower rice. Add extra sauce over the top for the full sweet-and-savory effect.
