Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe | Authentic dish from Hawaii

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of sweet pineapple, tangy french dressing, and savory onion soup mix. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without a lot of effort.

History

The origins of Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the traditional Hawaiian dish, Huli Huli Chicken. Huli Huli Chicken is a popular dish in Hawaii that is typically grilled and marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce. This crockpot version offers a convenient and hands-off way to enjoy similar flavors at home.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into halves
1 (20 oz (567 g)) can pineapple slices, drained, with juice reserved
1 (8 oz (227 g)) bottle of creamy french dressing
1 envelope of dry onion soup mix
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 small green bell pepper, cut into thin strips

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a crockpot. In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, salad dressing, onion soup mix, and lemon peel. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Twenty minutes before serving, arrange pineapple slices and green pepper strips over the chicken to heat through. Arrange the chicken, pineapple, and green pepper on a large serving platter. If desired, thicken the juices with 1 tbsp of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp of water. Stir slowly into the juices until slightly thickened. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
You can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a different texture.
Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.

- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes the slow cooking method in a crockpot to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have creamy french dressing, you can use regular french dressing or a combination of mayonnaise and honey mustard.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and cut the chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken on a large platter garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of pineapple juice or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken until heated through or warm it in a saucepan on the stove.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (creamy french dressing) and soy (soy sauce in the onion soup mix).

Summary

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. With a sweet and tangy sauce, tender chicken, and juicy pineapple, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lila's house. Lila was known for her incredible cooking skills, and that day she was preparing a delicious meal in her crockpot. The aroma of the Hawaiian chicken filled her kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

As I watched her prepare the dish, I was struck by how simple and yet flavorful it seemed. Lila explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had picked it up during a trip to Hawaii many years ago. The combination of sweet pineapple, tangy barbecue sauce, and tender chicken was a winning one, and I knew I had to try making it myself.

Lila graciously shared the recipe with me, and I hurried home to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients - chicken breasts, pineapple chunks, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar - and layered them in my crockpot. As the chicken cooked low and slow, the flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic.

When I served the Hawaiian chicken to my family that evening, they were blown away by how delicious it was. My husband declared it one of the best meals I had ever made, and my children eagerly asked for seconds. From that moment on, the recipe became a staple in our household, often requested for family gatherings and special occasions.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it even more special. I like to sprinkle a little garlic powder and ginger over the chicken before adding the other ingredients, giving it a subtle kick of flavor. I also like to garnish the dish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, adding a pop of color and texture.

As I continued to make the Hawaiian chicken recipe, I shared it with friends and neighbors who all raved about its deliciousness. I even entered it into a local cooking competition, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the town's annual recipe book. The recipe became a source of pride for me, a symbol of my culinary skills and the joy I found in sharing good food with loved ones.

Years passed, and my grandchildren grew up watching me cook in the kitchen, eager to learn the secrets of my delicious dishes. When they would come over for a visit, they would often request my Hawaiian chicken, knowing that it was a family favorite. I would happily teach them how to make it, passing down the recipe from one generation to the next.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells of cooking and the happy chatter of my family, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures of life. The memory of discovering the Hawaiian chicken recipe all those years ago fills me with nostalgia and warmth, a reminder of the joys of good food and good company.

As I prepare the Hawaiian chicken once again, I can't help but smile at the thought of my grandchildren carrying on the tradition, making the recipe their own and sharing it with their own families someday. The cycle of cooking and sharing recipes continues, connecting us to our past and our future, one delicious dish at a time. And for that, I am truly thankful.