With cooler weather approaching, many of us are anticipating even more reasons to utilize our beloved slow cookers! That’s why I was beyond THRILLED to find this life-changing Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken recipe. The sweet, tangy chicken compliments the pineapples in a way every tastebud truly deserves to experience. The pineapples are so juicy and flavorful from all the slow cooking — and the tender chicken gets more savory with each bite. However, my favorite part of this divine dish is still the flavor-soaked pineapple chunks! The first time I make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken it was because we were looking for a healthier option to replace Sweet and Sour Chicken, which is one of our favorite takeout meals. As in the past this post is generously sponsored by Foster Farms, who I use exclusively for chicken and have since I was a kid growing up in California.
Calories: 255 | Total Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fats: 2 g | Trans Fats: 0 g | Cholesterol: 24 mg | Sodium: 468 mg | Carbohydrates: 31 g | Dietary fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 16 g | Protein: 18 g | SmartPoints : 7 |
Ingredients:
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, juices reserved*
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce and garlic.
Place chicken thighs into a 6-qt slow cooker. Stir in pineapple juice mixture. Top with pineapple chunks and reserved juices.
Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, basting every few hours.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water and cornstarch. Stir in mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until sauce is thickened.
OPTIONAL: Preheat oven to broil. Place chicken thighs onto a baking sheet, skin side up, and broil until crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Serve chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and parsley, if desired.