Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

Ingredients

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Sriracha, optional
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks, juices reserved
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, juices reserved
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side; drain excess fat and set chicken aside.

In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, Sriracha, garlic and ginger.

Place chicken thighs into a 6-qt slow cooker. Stir in pineapple juice mixture. Top with pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple and reserved juices.

Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, basting every few hours.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water and cornstarch. Stir in cornstarch mixture, bell pepper and onion into the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until sauce is thickened.

Serve chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and parsley, if desired.