Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of the islands with this Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Delight! This mouth-watering slow cooker recipe features succulent boneless skinless chicken breasts infused with sweet pineapple, rich brown sugar, and zesty lemon juice. Perfectly seasoned with ground ginger and a touch of soy sauce, this dish transforms into a delectable feast that will transport your taste buds straight to a beachside luau. Whether served as a main course or cut into bite-sized pieces for appetizers, this dish is bound to be a favorite at your gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (none)
pineapple slices
1 (15 ounce) can (reserve juice)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (none)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cornstarch
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons (none)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Start by spraying the interior of an oblong slow cooker with vegetable cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Place the boneless skinless chicken breast halves in the slow cooker and, if desired, sprinkle them lightly with salt.
3
Layer the pineapple slices evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-covered.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice from the can, packed brown sugar, lemon juice, ground ginger, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and black pepper until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
5
Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the chicken and pineapple layers in the slow cooker.
6
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, or cut into bite-sized pieces if serving as appetizers.
8
Serve hot over a bed of buttered rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the rice for maximum flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Delight?
It is a sweet and savory slow cooker dish featuring chicken breasts, pineapple, brown sugar, and zesty lemon juice, perfect for a main course or party appetizer.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The recipe requires 4 to 5 hours on low heat or 2.5 to 3 hours on high heat until the chicken is tender.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the breast halves, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for a luau-themed party?
Absolutely! With its tropical flavors of pineapple and ginger, it is an ideal dish for a Hawaiian-themed gathering or luau.
What should I serve with this chicken?
It is best served hot over a bed of buttered rice, which allows the flavorful sauce to soak in.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the slow cooker?
Before adding ingredients, spray the interior of an oblong slow cooker with vegetable cooking spray.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to ensure you have 1/3 cup of pineapple juice for the sauce mixture as the recipe uses reserved juice from the can.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the pineapple and soy sauce mixture, creating a rich glaze.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the dish is sweet and zesty. It uses ground ginger and black pepper for flavor rather than heat.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Whisk together reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, ginger, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and pepper in a medium bowl.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, simply cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks for a party snack.
Do I need to add salt?
You can lightly sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt before layering the pineapple, though the soy sauce also provides sodium.
Is ground ginger necessary?
Ground ginger adds a signature zesty flavor that complements the tropical theme, but it can be omitted if preferred.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and layer the chicken in the slow cooker insert a day ahead, keeping it refrigerated until ready to cook.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard for a sharp, tangy flavor.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is a simple 'dump and go' slow cooker recipe that requires minimal prep work.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is recommended to thaw chicken before placing it in the slow cooker to ensure it reaches a safe temperature quickly enough.
How many servings does this provide?
The recipe uses 6 chicken breast halves, typically serving 4 to 6 people depending on portion size.
Is the chicken sliced before cooking?
No, the chicken breasts are cooked whole and then sliced or cut into pieces after they are fully cooked and rested.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
Standard soy sauce works well, or you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you are monitoring salt intake.
Can I add vegetables?
Bell peppers or onions would make a great addition and can be layered with the pineapple slices.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon?
Yes, lime juice can be used for a slightly different citrus profile that still fits the tropical theme.
Why let the chicken rest after cooking?
Resting the chicken for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains moist when sliced.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and confirm your cornstarch is processed safely.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to hold the ingredients without overfilling.
What size can of pineapple is needed?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of pineapple slices.
Is this recipe high in sugar?
It contains 1/3 cup of brown sugar plus the natural sugars from the pineapple juice, making it a sweet-style dish.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Honey or maple syrup can be substituted for brown sugar, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.