If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor and so effortless to prepare, the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection with a beautifully balanced sauce that is sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy, enhanced by the tropical sweetness of pineapple. It’s comfort food elevated with fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of sriracha, making every bite a delicious adventure. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will quickly become your go-to for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays a key role in creating the signature flavors and textures that define the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe.
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that stays moist during slow cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds robust, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced: Brings a bright, zesty undertone that complements the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: Provides savory umami richness without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1/3 cup honey: Sweetens the dish naturally and balances the acidity.
- 3 tablespoons ketchup: Adds subtle tang and thickens the sauce.
- 1/2 tablespoon sriracha: Injects a gentle spicy kick that livens up the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water: Keeps the sauce simmering and juicy as it cooks.
- 1 cup frozen cubed pineapple: Imparts tropical sweetness and a bit of texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder + 1 tablespoon water: Used for thickening the sauce to the perfect glaze consistency.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a toasty crunch and visual appeal.
- Chopped green onion for garnish: Brings freshness and pops of vibrant color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the cubed chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. This simple step boosts the flavor from the very beginning, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sriracha, and chicken broth or water. This combination creates a luscious sauce that will infuse the chicken with sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes as it cooks.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Pineapple, and Sauce
Place the seasoned chicken cubes and frozen pineapple pieces into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top, making sure every piece is coated with flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set the slow cooker on low and let the chicken cook for 3.5 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle heat transforms the chicken into tender, juicy morsels while allowing the sauce to thicken and deepen in flavor.
Step 5: Remove Chicken and Thicken Sauce
Once cooked, remove the lid and transfer the chicken pieces to a dish using a slotted spoon, leaving the sauce behind in the slow cooker. This step prepares you to thicken the sauce without overcooking the chicken.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch or arrowroot powder with water to make a slurry. Add it to the sauce in the slow cooker while it is still on, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze consistency. This step is crucial for coating the chicken beautifully when returned to the pot.
Step 7: Combine and Garnish
Carefully add the chicken back into the thickened sauce and stir to coat every piece. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to introduce a fresh crunch and eye-catching color contrast.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe hot over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite grains. Dive in and savor the harmonious flavors and the satisfying textures that only slow cooking can provide.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and chopped green onions as garnishes not only makes the dish look irresistible but also enhances texture with a gentle crunch and freshness. Feel free to add a squeeze of lime for an extra zest.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice to keep with the tropical vibes, or even quinoa for a protein-rich boost. For a lighter meal, serve alongside stir-fried veggies or a crunchy Asian-style slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your honey garlic chicken pineapple in carved pineapple halves or over lettuce cups as handheld bites. You can also turn it into a meal prep bowl layered with grains, roasted veggies, and avocado slices for a colorful, balanced lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after a day, making the dish even more delicious the next time you enjoy it.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and sauce texture, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier during slow cooking, chicken breasts will work too. Just be careful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out faster. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly.
Is there a substitute for pineapple?
If you’re not a fan of pineapple, diced mango or peaches can offer a similar sweet and fruity twist. Keep in mind the flavor will shift subtly but remain delicious.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe?
The sriracha adds a mild kick but is completely adjustable. If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the sriracha without losing the overall balance of flavors.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken first, then add the sauce and pineapple. Cook on manual high pressure for about 10 minutes and use a quick release. Finish by thickening the sauce using the sauté setting.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your ketchup and sriracha are gluten-free brands. This way, the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe stays safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the way the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering, feel-good meal. The ease of the slow cooker combined with bold, balanced flavors means this dish will bring joy to your table time and time again. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort dinner!
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian American
Description
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a tender, flavorful dish featuring boneless chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with ginger, pineapple, and a hint of sriracha for a gentle kick. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time and delivers delicious results using your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
Add-Ins and Garnish
- 1 cup frozen cubed pineapple
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon water
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the cubed boneless chicken thighs with salt and pepper evenly to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sriracha, and chicken broth or water until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the cubed chicken and frozen pineapple in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and pineapple.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 3.5 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce.
- Remove the Chicken: Carefully remove the lid and transfer the cooked chicken out of the slow cooker using a slotted spoon. Set the chicken aside on a dish.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch or arrowroot powder together with water to form a slurry. Add this mixture into the slow cooker, stirring continuously to thicken the sauce while the slow cooker remains on.
- Recombine and Garnish: Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the honey garlic chicken warm, ideally over cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, ensure you mix the cornstarch slurry well before adding to prevent lumps.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Using chicken thighs ensures the meat remains juicy and tender during slow cooking.
- For a gluten-free dish, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and gluten-free ketchup.
- This dish pairs well with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
