Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 2 pounds)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 20oz can pineapple chunks or tidbits WITH juice (reserve 3 tablespoons for cornstarch mixture)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 bell pepper, coarsely diced
- 1 yellow onion, coarsely diced
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Thickener and Garnish
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over high heat and quickly sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown but not fully cooked. This step adds a grilled look and extra flavor. If you prefer, skip searing and place raw chicken directly into the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the pineapple chunks with their juice, brown sugar, vinegar, coarsely diced bell pepper, yellow onion, pressed garlic, ginger, and ketchup. Mix well to blend all the flavors.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the seared (or raw) chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the reserved 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Gently stir this into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Replace the cover and continue cooking for the final 30 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, sprinkle the finely sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds over the chicken. Serve hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Searing chicken before slow cooking is optional but enhances flavor and appearance.
- Use fresh or canned pineapple chunks with juice to maintain the sauce’s sweetness and moisture.
- The vinegar type can be adjusted to preference; white or apple cider vinegar works well.
- For a thicker sauce, ensure the cornstarch mixture is fully dissolved before adding, and stir gently.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like snap peas or carrots according to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
