Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken (Printable)

Tender slow-cooked chicken in a sweet, tangy pineapple-soy glaze with authentic Hawaiian flavors.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ Marinade & Sauce

02 - 1 cup pineapple juice
03 - ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - ⅓ cup ketchup
05 - ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
06 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
10 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
12 - 2 tablespoons water (for slurry, optional)

→ Garnish & Serving

13 - 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
14 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
15 - Fresh pineapple slices (optional, for serving)
16 - Steamed rice (optional)

# How To Cook:

01 - Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper in a medium bowl until fully incorporated and smooth.
02 - Place chicken thighs in the crock pot, arranging them in an even layer. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated.
03 - Cover and cook on low heat for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
04 - Transfer cooked chicken to a serving platter and tent with foil. Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the slurry into the remaining sauce in the crock pot, cover, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the pot and coat evenly with the glaze.
05 - Plate the chicken over steamed rice. Top generously with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh pineapple slices if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The hands off prep means dinner practically makes itself while you handle everything else on your to do list
  • That incredible sweet and smoky glaze tastes like something from a restaurant but comes together with pantry staples
02 -
  • Sear the chicken quickly in a hot skillet before slow cooking for that authentic grill marked flavor and texture
  • The sauce will taste quite salty before cooking but it balances perfectly as it reduces and coats the chicken
03 -
  • Double the sauce recipe and freeze half for next time
  • Use gluten free soy sauce if needed but taste as it may need adjustment

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