If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with tender, juicy chicken that falls apart with every bite, then you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe. This recipe brings together the rich aroma of garlic and ginger, the sweetness of honey and pineapple, and a slight kick from sriracha, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an effortless way to impress your taste buds and fill your home with irresistible smells, making it a true favorite for family dinners or busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe is all about simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients that contribute to a beautiful blend of taste, texture, and color. Each one plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken thighs to the fruity pineapple that adds freshness and sweetness, making this dish truly special.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Using thighs ensures tender, juicy chicken that stays flavorful during slow cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a pungent and savory depth that wakes up every bite.
- Fresh ginger (minced): Provides a warm, slightly spicy zing that pairs beautifully with garlic and pineapple.
- Low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos): Brings umami and saltiness without overwhelming the dish.
- Honey: Offers a smooth sweetness that caramelizes during cooking and complements the tangy ingredients.
- Ketchup: Adds a tangy base and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Sriracha: Introduces just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting and balanced.
- Chicken broth or water: Keeps the sauce luscious and prevents it from drying out.
- Frozen cubed pineapple: Brings juicy bursts of sweetness and refreshing texture amidst the savory elements.
- Corn starch or arrowroot powder: Used to thicken the sauce into a silky glaze.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish, they add a subtle nutty crunch and beautiful contrast.
- Chopped green onion: Provides a fresh, vibrant finish with a mild onion flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your cubed chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite is flavorful right from the core of the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, fresh ginger, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, sriracha, and chicken broth or water. This blend will create the mouthwatering sauce that infuses the dish with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Pineapple in Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken and frozen pineapple cubes into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over everything, making sure the chicken is well-coated for even cooking and flavor absorption.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the magic happen for 3.5 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all those delicious flavors fully.
Step 5: Remove Chicken
After cooking, carefully remove the lid and transfer the chicken to a separate dish using a slotted spoon. This step prepares the slow cooker for thickening the sauce without the chicken getting overcooked.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well while it’s still on. The sauce will thicken into a glossy glaze that perfectly coats the chicken when it’s returned.
Step 7: Reintroduce the Chicken and Garnish
Once your sauce has thickened nicely, add the chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to add freshness and a delightful crunch.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe over steamed rice to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce and enjoy the harmony of flavors!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add not only color but also layers of flavor and texture that elevate this dish from tasty to extraordinary.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or coconut rice to complement the sweet and savory sauce. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas make superb sides that add crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken and pineapple mixture in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl for a fun tropical twist. Alternatively, wrap the saucy chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken moist and the flavors vibrant for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by sealing them tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best taste and texture, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce, keeping the dish juicy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work but tend to be leaner and can dry out if overcooked. Adjust cooking time accordingly and monitor closely to keep them tender.
Is it necessary to use pineapple in the recipe?
Pineapple adds a unique sweetness and tropical flavor that defines this recipe, but if you’re not a fan, substituting with peaches or mangoes can be a great alternative, though it will change the overall profile slightly.
Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?
The sriracha provides a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder dish. Alternatively, add extra for a little more kick.
Do I need to thicken the sauce?
Thickening the sauce with cornstarch or arrowroot powder is essential for that luscious glaze that coats the chicken and pineapple perfectly, making each bite sticky and flavorful.
What is the best way to serve this dish for a crowd?
Serve it buffet-style over a large platter of rice with garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their plates. Adding extra steamed veggies also helps stretch the dish for more servings.
Final Thoughts
If you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that effortlessly combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with tender chicken, you must try this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple Recipe. It’s a personal favorite that brings such joy to the table and is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without the fuss. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a go-to for your weeknight dinners.
Print
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 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender boneless chicken thighs are slow-cooked with a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, accented with ginger, pineapple, and a touch of heat from sriracha. Thickened to perfection and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s delicious served over rice for a complete meal.
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 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
- 1 cup frozen cubed pineapple
Thickening Mixture
- 1 tablespoon corn starch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, fresh 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 pieces and frozen pineapple cubes into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove Chicken: Carefully remove the lid and use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a separate dish, setting it aside.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the corn starch or arrowroot powder with water until smooth. Add this mixture to the slow cooker (still on) and stir well to combine. Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Garnish: Return the cooked chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the thickened sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken hot over steamed rice and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of sriracha to taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Arrowroot powder is a great alternative to cornstarch for thickening and is also gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
