Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Perfect for Summer Potluck
A sweet, tangy, and savory slow-cooked chicken dish with fresh pineapple and homemade teriyaki sauce, perfect for summer potlucks and easy entertaining.
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 13 minutes to 5 hours 13 minutes (low) or 2 hours 13 minutes to 3 hours 13 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger to make the teriyaki sauce.
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and place them in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Scatter 1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and pineapple.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- About 15 minutes before serving, remove ¼ cup of the sauce from the crockpot and whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry back into the crockpot, stir gently, cover, and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Give the chicken a gentle stir to coat in the thickened sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before adding to crockpot to help sauce cling better and prevent watery meat. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. For more tang, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steady heat. Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid clumps. This recipe can be adapted for stovetop simmering if no crockpot is available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (200 g)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 28
Keywords: crockpot chicken, Hawaiian teriyaki chicken, slow cooker recipe, summer potluck recipe, easy chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, teriyaki sauce