Craving a tender, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself? This Sweet & Savory Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a no-fuss dish brimming with the bold flavors of ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of fruity sweetness from pineapple chunks. Set everything up in your slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a delicious dinner that’s ready to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- ¼ cup brown sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Scatter the pineapple chunks over and around the chicken.
Set your slow cooker to low and let the flavors mingle for about 4 to 5 hours. If you’d like a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan about 15 minutes before serving. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken it to your liking, then pour the sauce back over the chicken.
For best results, taste and adjust seasoning—a pinch of salt or extra splash of soy sauce can really amp up the teriyaki goodness. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for a little extra color and crunch. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
No time to fuss with sides? Toss some fresh veggies—like bell peppers or broccoli—into the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking, and they’ll soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Why is this recipe such a favorite? Slow cooking keeps the chicken unbelievably tender, and the sweet, tangy sauce strikes just the right balance to please kids and adults alike. If you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sweetener. For those needing gluten-free options, tamari is a perfect substitute for soy sauce. You can also experiment with pineapple juice instead of chunks if you prefer a smoother sauce. Give it a try the next time you want a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal without any hurry or hassle!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
