Crockpot Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe
Crockpot Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken is a delicious and easy slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple brown sugar sauce with vibrant bell peppers and onions. Perfect for a fuss-free meal that bursts with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
- Total Time: 15 minutes prep + 4-6 hours cooking time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, 1 cup juice reserved
Sauce Ingredients
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons lite soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Garnish
- Scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together red pepper flakes, garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side just to brown the outside and lock in juices. This step adds depth to the slow-cooked chicken.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the chopped red bell pepper, red onion, and pineapple chunks evenly over the chicken for a colorful and flavorful mix.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved 1 cup of pineapple juice, brown sugar, lite soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. This creates a sweet and tangy sauce that will thicken during cooking.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish the dish with freshly chopped scallions before serving. Enjoy this flavorful Crockpot Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking helps add flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- Use fresh pineapple if canned is unavailable, adjusting juice quantity accordingly.
- The dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce mixture to prevent lumps.
