Description
Bring the flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen with this easy Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken! This slow-cooked dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, featuring a rich marinade made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. The result? Tender, juicy chicken infused with tropical flavors, perfect for serving over rice or in sandwiches. With minimal prep and a hands-free cooking method, this recipe is great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Huli Huli Chicken:
- 4–5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in)
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) to enhance the flavor.
Slow Cook the Chicken:
- Transfer the marinated chicken to a 6-quart Crockpot. Pour in any remaining marinade.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Optional Sauce Reduction:
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Drizzle over the chicken before serving.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve the chicken over rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Pair with grilled pineapple or a side salad for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.
Notes
- Grilled Variation: To get a charred, caramelized finish, transfer the cooked chicken to a grill or broiler for a few minutes before serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the marinated chicken at 375°F for 35-40 minutes.
- Meat Options: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving, without rice
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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