Ingredients:
- 1 can of pineapple pieces, drained well
- 3/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/3 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
- Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with a small amount of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Layer the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs into the crockpot in a single layer. If necessary, you can slightly overlap the chicken, but try to keep it as flat as possible for even cooking.
3. Mix Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will help thicken the sauce during cooking, creating a nice glaze on the chicken.
4. Add Green Onions and Pineapple:
- Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the chicken, and evenly spread the drained pineapple pieces on top. The green onions will soften, while the pineapple adds sweetness and tang to the dish.
5. Pour the Sauce Mixture:
- Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken, green onions, and pineapple. Use a spoon to gently move the chicken pieces around to ensure the sauce gets underneath them.
6. Cooking:
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on high for about 4 hours. For more tender chicken, cook on low for 6-7 hours. Cooking on low allows the flavors to develop more deeply and the chicken to become extra tender.
7. Final Touches:
- After the cooking time is complete, gently stir the contents to mix the flavors and coat the chicken with the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and set the crockpot to high with the lid off for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
8. Serving:
- Serve the chicken hot over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables. The combination of savory teriyaki and tangy pineapple creates a delicious, balanced dish.
Tips:
- Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- For extra flavor, you can include freshly grated ginger or minced garlic in the sauce mixture.
- Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for a nice touch before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki!