This Pineapple Chicken is healthy, sweet, tangy, and easy to make. You probably already have many of the ingredients in your pantry. During the holiday season you are busy with so much to do. Put this on and in 5 hours on low dinner is almost ready. Serve with rice and a salad. I prefer brown rice, and it has so much more fiber and nutrition. I have family who do not like it. Brown rice has a nuttier and chewier taste because of the bran, and I like that. The choice is yours or you could opt for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
I’m also using canned pineapple in pineapple juice. You can substitute fresh or frozen pineapple, but you do need the juice to make the sauce. I keep pineapple tidbits in the refrigerator all the time and try to eat some every day. It is loaded with anti-oxidants and nutrients. Pineapple also has enzymes that can ease digestion. Research indicates it may help reduce the risk of cancer, may boost immunity and suppress inflammation, may ease symptions of arthritis, and may speed recovery after surgery or strenuous exercise. I know it’s good for me and my immune system needs all the help it can get. For more information, see HealthLine‘s great post, 8 Impressive Health Benefits of Pineapple.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
Use organic when available. Serves 6
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp minced fresh garlic
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 20 oz canned tidbits or chunks of pineapple in natural juice
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 large red pepper cored, seeded, and cut into 1" pieces
- 1 onion chopped into 1" pieces
- 5 oz can of water chestnuts drained
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- optional chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Spray cooking spray inside 5 or 6 quart slow cooker or crock pot
- Place chicken in bottom of slow cooker
- Drain pineapple juice from can into bowl
- Whisk corn starch and soy sauce in juice until smooth
- Add garlic, ginger, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and sesame oil and stir to combine
- Place pineapple, red pepper, and onion on top of chicken
- Pour juice mixture over the top of chicken and vegetables
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 1/2 to 5 hours or on High for 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- With a slotted spoon, remove the chicken and vegetable mixture to a plate
- Place sauce in a sauce pan over high on stove
- Stir frequently for 4 to 5 minutes until sauce reduces by half
- Return chicken and vegetables to slow cooker
- Pour the reduced sauce back on chicken mixture
- Optional garnish with chopped green onions
- Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa
Enjoy!
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I don’t have a slow cooker, but if I did, I’d definitely make this, as it sounds absolutely amazing! I love love love all the ingredients really. #MMBC
…sweet treat!
Ohh! I love this recipe and I make a pretty similar one for my family. I never thought about how good pineapple is for us. Great tip x
I don’t eat meat but I think my family would enjoy this! Thanks for another great recipe.
You could put the sauce on say quinoa and veggies – the sauce makes the dish.
Happy Christmas Carol. But I’m afraid that while this recipe sound good, I’m not one for sweet and sour. And I wouldn’t dream of ordering a ham and pineapple pizza. Hope we are still friends?
Of course Phil! Heavens, we don’t have to like the same food to be friends. Merry Christmas!
Pinning so I can give this a try!
thanks for the pin Donna – have a blessed Christmas!
Hey there. Good to know that pineapple is good for you. I love pineapples and now I can do like you and just keep some in the fridge. This is an awesome recipe. And you know I love a slowcooker and/or one pot meal. TFS at #acozylifestyle. Pinned and tweeted.
thanks for sharing Clearissa – we’re counting down to Christmas and I am wishing you a blessed holiday!
The fresh flavors of your homemade sauce really make this one over-the-top amazing dinner. That was also a great suggestion to try this with cauliflower rice!!
I like cauliflower rice and it’s lower in starch. Merry Christmas!
This recipe sounds delicious. I will be definitely be making this especially for my mum who lives with us. She is 94 and has unfortunately become a very fussy eater. But I know she always loved sweet and sour recipes in the past.
I used to make something like this but in the oven — it was a family favorite. My recipe was called sweet and sour chicken with pineapple, but I don’t know why as there wasn’t anything sour about it! Love the idea that it could be a crockpot dish (I could have used that when I was cooking for a big family, but it will still come in handy for two of us!). Interesting about all the beneifts of pineapple. I really actually like the canned in its own juiice (no added sugar) better than the fresh.
I like the taste of fresh but love the taste and ease of eating canned pineapple.
This looks delicious. I am always on the look out for new slow cooker recipes to try so thank you. Pinning!
Happy new year Carol. x
I love using the slow cooker, particularly at such a busy time of year! Your Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken sounds absolutely delicious, Carol. Thank you for sharing and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Community!