If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and effortless comfort, then the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a luscious honey garlic sauce, brightened with fresh pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day and perfect for those times when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, resulting in a dish that is rich, vibrant, and irresistibly satisfying.
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that stays moist throughout slow cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm, aromatic punch that’s essential for the sauce’s depth.
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, minced: Bright and slightly spicy, ginger complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos): Delivers savory umami notes and balances the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, creating a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons ketchup: Provides tanginess and enhances the sauce’s richness.
- 1/2 tablespoon sriracha: Just enough heat to add excitement without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water: Keeps the sauce moist and helps to meld ingredients together.
- 1 cup frozen cubed pineapple: Introduces a tropical, juicy sweetness that brightens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon corn starch or arrowroot powder + 1 tablespoon water: For thickening the sauce into a luscious coating.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a subtle nuttiness and beautiful texture contrast.
- Chopped green onion for garnish: Freshens and colors the finished dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs lightly with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures each bite is perfectly balanced and prepares the meat to soak up all the wonderful flavors from the sauce later on.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, fresh ginger, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sriracha, and chicken broth or water. Whisk these together until well blended, creating a harmonious sauce that’s sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy all at once.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Pineapple
Place the seasoned chicken and frozen pineapple cubes into your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and fruit, allowing all the ingredients to mingle and infuse beautifully as they cook.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and let the magic happen for 3.5 to 4 hours. This gentle cooking process ensures the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing the bold flavors of the honey garlic sauce and pineapple.
Step 5: Remove Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken pieces using a slotted spoon and set them aside on a serving plate. This step sets you up to thicken the sauce properly without overcooking the chicken.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the corn starch or arrowroot powder with water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the slow cooker sauce. Keep the slow cooker on to let the sauce thicken and transform into a glossy, irresistible glaze.
Step 7: Return Chicken to Sauce
After the sauce has thickened, add the chicken back into the pot, stirring gently to coat each piece with that luscious sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and perfectly sticky.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe over steamed rice or your favorite base, and get ready to enjoy every finger-licking bite!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only enhances the taste but also adds a delightful visual pop. You can also try a few red chili flakes if you prefer a touch more heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the sweet-savory sauce. If you’re in the mood for veggies, simple steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas add crisp freshness that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your honey garlic chicken in lettuce wraps or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. You can also top it with toasted cashews or chopped fresh cilantro to introduce new textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making for amazing next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, delicious dinner any night of the week.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to reheat evenly without drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help refresh the sauce if it thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine but keep in mind they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. Cooking time might be slightly shorter to keep them tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for chicken, you can substitute tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist. Just be mindful that cooking times and textures will differ slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this slow cooker recipe to an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for the sauce ingredients first and then pressure cooking the chicken for about 10 minutes. Be sure to release pressure carefully.
What can I substitute for pineapple if I don’t like it?
If pineapple isn’t your favorite, mango or peaches can offer a similar sweetness and tropical vibe. Alternatively, omit it entirely and add a splash of orange juice to maintain sweetness in the sauce.
How spicy is this dish with sriracha?
The 1/2 tablespoon of sriracha adds just a subtle kick that balances the sweetness nicely without overwhelming the dish. You can always adjust the heat up or down according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe that makes it a standout favorite in any home-cooked meal rotation. Its blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors combined with the ease of slow cooking means you get to enjoy a satisfying, homemade dinner without any stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to comfort food!
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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 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, pineapple for a tropical touch, and a perfect thickened glaze. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 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 chicken thighs with salt and pepper evenly to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, minced ginger, low sodium soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sriracha, and chicken broth or water until well combined.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken and frozen pineapple cubes in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and pineapple.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low heat for 3.5 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove chicken: Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a separate dish and set aside, leaving the sauce in the slow cooker.
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk together the cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the slow cooker, stirring continuously to evenly thicken the sauce while the slow cooker remains on.
- Combine and garnish: Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken over cooked rice and enjoy this delicious slow cooker meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Arrowroot powder is a great gluten-free alternative to cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness level according to your taste.
- Make sure not to cook the chicken on high heat as it may dry out; slow cooking on low ensures tender meat.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
