Slow-Cooked Honey-Ginger Pineapple Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs bathed in a sweet-tangy pineapple glaze with aromatic ginger and garlic, ready in 4 hours with minimal effort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 255 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, canned pineapple chunks, low-sodium chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces) into the slow cooker, then add 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained), 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir until chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, stirring once halfway through, until chicken is fork-tender and sauce has thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, then serve immediately over cooked jasmine rice or with steamed broccoli.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Honey-Ginger Pineapple Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Honey-Ginger Pineapple Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned pineapple chunks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Honey-Ginger Pineapple Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Honey-Ginger Pineapple Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Honey-Ginger Pineapple Chicken?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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