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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Lea
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch-egg batter, quickly browned in a skillet, and then slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce. The dish combines the smoky flavor of BBQ sauce with tropical pineapple juice and brown sugar for a delicious Hawaiian-inspired meal perfect for serving over rice and garnished with fresh scallions.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Sauce

  • 18 ounces BBQ sauce (bottle of your favorite)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar

Garnish

  • Green onions or scallions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix Eggs and Cornstarch: In a mixing bowl, whisk the 3 eggs and 1/3 cup cornstarch together until smooth and well combined to create a batter for coating the chicken.
  2. Coat Chicken Pieces: Dip the chicken tenderloin pieces into the egg and cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated to help create a crispy exterior when browned.
  3. Heat Oil in Skillet: Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing it for quickly browning the chicken pieces.
  4. Brown the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and brown them quickly on all sides. The goal is to develop a light golden color without fully cooking the chicken through.
  5. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken pieces into the slow cooker in an even layer, ready for slow cooking with the sauce.
  6. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine 18 ounces of BBQ sauce, 1 cup pineapple juice, and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well blended.
  7. Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.
  8. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through cooking, check and stir the chicken to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Adjust heat as needed to avoid scorching the sauce.
  9. Garnish and Serve: When cooking is complete, garnish the Hawaiian chicken with chopped green onions or scallions if desired, and serve it hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Do not cook the chicken completely when browning; it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
  • Stir halfway through slow cooking to prevent the sauce from burning and to ensure even flavor.
  • Using chicken tenderloins makes for quicker cooking and tender results, but chicken breasts can be substituted if preferred.
  • Serve with steamed rice or your favorite grain to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Garnishing with fresh scallions adds a nice color contrast and fresh bite.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Find it online: https://recipesbylea.com/slow-cooker-hawaiian-chicken-recipe/