Description
Tropical pulled chicken brings island flavors dancing across your plate with Caribbean-inspired zest. Juicy shredded chicken marinated in tangy pineapple and spices promises an effortless meal packed with sunshine and bold, spirited taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1 can (20 ounces or 567 grams) pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup), undrained
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) orange juice
- 1 lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Nestle whole chicken pieces into the slow cooker ceramic basin, ensuring even placement.
- Tumble vibrant pineapple chunks with their tangy juice alongside zesty orange and lime juices into the pot.
- Mince aromatic red pepper, crimson onion, and garlic, scattering them generously over the chicken.
- Sprinkle a harmonious blend of soy sauce, caramelized brown sugar, sharp ginger, warm chili powder, smoky paprika, essential salt, and optional fiery red pepper flakes across the ingredients.
- Gently fold and mix components, allowing flavors to intermingle without disrupting chicken placement.
- Secure the lid and allow slow cooker to transform ingredients, simmering on low temperature for approximately 5-6 hours or high heat for 2.5-3.5 hours until chicken becomes exceptionally tender and easily pulls apart.
- Utilize two forks to meticulously shred chicken, then reintegrate meat into the rich, infused cooking liquid.
- Present the tropical pulled chicken atop fluffy rice, nestled within warm tortillas, or piled onto soft sandwich buns.
- Enhance the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and a vibrant squeeze of lime for an extra burst of brightness.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes for personalized heat intensity.
- Select chicken breasts or thighs based on preferred meat texture and fat content.
- Swap traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free and lower-sodium alternative.
- Enhance tropical flavors by adding a splash of rum or coconut milk during the last hour of cooking for deeper complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg