SLOW COOKER PINEAPPLE CHICKEN

SLOW COOKER PINEAPPLE CHICKEN image

Provided by Tere Gill

Categories Chicken

Time 6h20m

Number Of Ingredients 26

1 medium sweet onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 bell peppers, any color, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 clove garlic, minced
2 large carrots, peeled & sliced into coins
1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
2 lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless thawed
12 to 16 sugar snap peas
1 can(s) (20 oz.) pineapple chunks in juice, drained juice reserved
SAUCE:
1/3 c dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 of reserved pineapple juice
2 Tbsp rice vinegar (may sub with white vinegar)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine; may substitute with sweet white wine if necessary)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp honey
1 tsp grated ginger (squeeze bottle or tube is fine)
1/16-1/8 tsp chinese five spice powder (depends on personal taste)
THICKENER:
3 Tbsp cornstarch
remaining 1/2 of pineapple juice
SERVE WITH:
rice or noodles prepared according to package directions
GARNISH (OPTIONAL:)
1 or 2 green onions (scallions) or sugar snap peas, thin sliced diagonally
1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Steps:

1. Gather and prep ingredients. Place liner bag in slow cooker, if using (optional.)
2. In bottom of slow cooker, distribute onions, peppers, minced garlic, carrots and chicken bouillon.
3. Place chicken thighs on top of vegetables; distribute pineapple chunks and sugar snap peas over chicken.
4. Cover with lid; set cooker on high temp.
5. Combine all of the sauce ingredients; pour half of the sauce over chicken. Recover cooker with lid. Cook on high for approximately 4 hours until chicken is cooked through and "fall apart" tender.
6. Combine remaining sauce with remaining pineapple juice; refrigerate until ready to add thickener.
7. About a half an hour before serving, prepare rice or noodles according to package directions, if using.
8. When chicken is cooked, leave temperature on high. Mix together cornstarch and remaining pineapple juice/sauce mixture until smooth.
9. Gradually pour and stir thickening mixture into slow cooker. Continue stirring until liquid is thickened.
10. Plate and garnish as desired. Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers.