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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pineapple Pulled Chicken Bowls

slow cooker teriyaki pineapple pulled chicken - featured image
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A flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe combining tender pulled chicken with a sweet and tangy teriyaki pineapple sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (drained if canned)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for serving)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Sliced avocado or steamed veggies (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil to prepare the teriyaki sauce.
  2. Place the chicken thighs evenly in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour the teriyaki-pineapple sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  4. Add pineapple chunks on top of the chicken and sauce.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  6. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or meat claws and stir to combine with the sauce and pineapple.
  7. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then pour into the slow cooker and stir well.
  8. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
  9. While the sauce thickens, cook rice or cauliflower rice according to package instructions.
  10. Serve the pulled chicken over rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Add avocado slices or steamed vegetables if desired.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain heat. If sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry and cook longer. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for refined sugar-free option. Fresh pineapple can be added in the last hour for brighter flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, teriyaki, pineapple, pulled chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, healthy, comfort food

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/slow-cooker-teriyaki-pineapple-pulled-chicken-bowls-easy-recipe-for-flavorful-meals/