This recipe delivers bold island-style flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker makes the chicken incredibly tender, while the sauce balances sweetness and savory depth beautifully. It’s family-friendly, great for meal prep, and pairs well with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts pineapple juice soy sauce brown sugar ketchup garlic ginger chicken broth or water cornstarch (optional, for thickening) green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and broth.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
Cover and cook on low until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken and shred or slice if desired.
If a thicker sauce is preferred, whisk cornstarch with a little water and stir into the sauce.
Return the chicken to the crockpot and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high Total time: about 5 hours
Variations
You can add sliced bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra texture. Swap brown sugar for honey for a slightly different sweetness. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Is Huli Huli Chicken very sweet?
It’s balanced between sweet and savory, but sweetness can be adjusted by reducing sugar.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thawing first is recommended for even cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep and reheats very well.
What cut of chicken works best?
Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, but breasts work too.
Can I thicken the sauce?
Yes, use a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
What should I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?
Steamed rice, fried rice, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cook on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Can I grill the chicken after slow cooking?
Yes, briefly grilling adds great caramelized flavor.
Does this freeze well?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken is an easy, flavorful recipe that brings sweet Hawaiian-inspired taste to your table with almost no effort. Tender chicken and a rich sauce make this a meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken is a sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired slow cooker dish made with tender chicken simmered in a pineapple-soy sauce. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for an easy hands-off dinner.
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth or water.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken and shred or slice if desired.
If a thicker sauce is preferred, whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce in the crockpot.
Return the chicken to the crockpot and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Notes
Add bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra texture.Honey can be used instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce for heat.Chicken thighs provide the juiciest result.Briefly grilling the chicken after slow cooking adds caramelized flavor.
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