Is it okay to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, it's perfectly safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. The slow, consistent heat ensures that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. To be certain, always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. If you're preparing sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken , the sauce's acidity from pineapple juice also helps tenderize the raw chicken as it cooks, ensuring both safety and flavor.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?

Cooking chicken on low is generally better for achieving tender, juicy meat. The slower process allows the chicken to absorb more of the flavors from the sauce and other ingredients, especially in recipes like sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken . However, if you're in a time crunch, cooking on high is still an option, though the meat may not be quite as tender as it would be on low.

How do I keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot?

Dry chicken can ruin a good slow cooker meal, but it’s easy to prevent. First, use chicken thighs instead of breasts—they have more fat, which helps keep the meat moist. Second, make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot, especially when making sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken , as the sauce will help retain moisture. Lastly, avoid overcooking by monitoring the cooking time.

Why do you brown chicken before putting it in a slow cooker?

Browning chicken before slow cooking isn’t necessary but can add a deeper flavor to your dish. The browning process creates a caramelized surface, enhancing the savory notes of the chicken. For sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken , this step can add richness to the sauce, making it even more delicious.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken: Your Family's Favorite Dish

Name: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483129H18M9S
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, in juice); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch); Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

Description

A sweet and savory tropical delight, Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers in a flavorful slow-cooked sauce. Perfect for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, in juice)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

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Instructions

Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot.
Add the pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion on top of the chicken.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Optional: To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water, add it to the crockpot, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Serve the chicken and vegetables over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, brown the chicken before placing it in the crockpot.
Adjust the sweetness by reducing honey or adding a splash of lime juice.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 200g
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg