The Ultimate Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Slow cookers revolutionize weeknight meals with this mouthwatering crock pot sticky hawaiian chicken that promises a flavor explosion.

Succulent chicken thighs marinate in a vibrant blend of tropical ingredients.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across your palate with each tender bite.

Pineapple chunks and savory soy sauce create a harmonious balance that feels like a culinary vacation.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Effortless preparation means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying a delicious dinner.

Plate this incredible meal and watch everyone request seconds.

Why Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken Is So Satisfying

• Hands-Off Cooking: Let your crock pot do all the heavy lifting while you enjoy stress-free meal preparation without constant monitoring.
• Flavor Explosion: Dive into a tropical taste adventure with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory Hawaiian-inspired ingredients that dance on your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a delicious meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings with friends.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this chicken over rice, in tacos, on salads, or as a sandwich filling, giving you multiple delicious ways to savor the incredible flavors.

Simple Ingredients For Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Chicken Thighs, Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of meat that absorb the rich Hawaiian-inspired marinade and become incredibly flavorful when slow-cooked.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Pineapple Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Ketchup, Honey: A robust marinade that creates a sweet, tangy, and complex flavor profile for the chicken.
• Minced Garlic, Grated Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and traditional Hawaiian-style seasoning to the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy, sticky consistency.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Adds a burst of tropical sweetness and fresh texture to the finished dish.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty, rich undertone to enhance the overall flavor.

• Green Onions, Macadamia Nuts, Sesame Seeds: Crunchy and fresh toppings that add visual appeal and additional texture to the dish.

How To Make Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whip up a mouthwatering sauce by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the ingredients create a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy goodness.

Step 2: Nestle Chicken in Crock Pot

Gently place chicken thighs and chicken breasts into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Drench Chicken in Tropical Sauce

Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece gets completely coated in the delicious Hawaiian-inspired sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the crock pot and let the chicken cook on low heat for 6-7 hours. This slow cooking process will transform the meat into melt-in-your-mouth tender goodness.

Step 5: Shred Chicken with Care

Carefully remove the cooked chicken and transfer to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into delectable, bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture back into the crock pot, stirring to combine with the existing sauce. Cook on high for 15 minutes until the sauce reaches a perfect, glossy consistency.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Gently fold the shredded chicken back into the thickened sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated.

Step 8: Add Final Tropical Touches

Fold in fresh pineapple chunks and drizzle with sesame oil to elevate the flavor profile to new heights.

Step 9: Prepare for Serving

Transfer the chicken to a beautiful serving platter, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Step 10: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle chopped green onions, crushed macadamia nuts, and a generous shower of sesame seeds over the top for a final burst of flavor and texture.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Hawaiian chicken over fluffy steamed rice or alongside your favorite side dish. Get ready for a taste of tropical paradise that will transport your taste buds to the beautiful islands of Hawaii!

Helpful Tips For Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of rice wine or mirin to the marinade for an authentic Hawaiian taste profile.
• Prevent Dryness: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts to ensure juicier, more tender meat throughout cooking.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce texture.
• Quick Meal Prep: Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator for more intense flavor absorption before slow cooking.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free version that maintains the original recipe's rich flavor complexity.

Flavor Options For Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Spicy Tropical Heat: Kick up the flavor by adding diced jalapeños and red chili flakes to the marinade for those who love a fiery punch.
• Coconut Fusion: Replace half the pineapple juice with coconut milk to create a creamy, rich Hawaiian-inspired sauce with a velvety texture.
• Citrus Zinger: Swap apple cider vinegar with fresh lime juice and add orange zest to brighten the marinade with a tangy, vibrant profile.
• Island Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh chopped cilantro and mint leaves during the final mixing stage to introduce a fresh, herbal dimension to the classic recipe.

Sides That Pair With Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Tropical Rice Bowl Companion: Pair this sticky Hawaiian chicken with coconut jasmine rice for a creamy, fragrant base that complements the sweet and tangy sauce.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve a chilled Hawaiian punch or a crisp pineapple mojito to echo the tropical flavors and cut through the richness of the dish.
• Complementary Side Salad: Create a light Asian-inspired coleslaw with red cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing to balance the chicken's intense flavors and add crunch.
• Textural Nut Topping: Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts or cashews over the dish to introduce a buttery, tropical crunch that enhances the Hawaiian theme and adds protein.

Smart Storage For Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken

• Store leftover Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Portion chicken into individual containers with rice or side dishes for convenient grab-and-go lunches.

Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken Q&A

• Why use both chicken thighs and chicken breasts?

Using both cuts ensures varied texture and flavor. Thighs provide more richness and moisture, while breasts offer leaner protein, creating a balanced and juicy chicken dish.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for heat. Start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust according to your spice preference to enhance the Hawaiian-style flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet dietary requirements.

• How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Low and slow cooking in the crock pot helps retain moisture.

Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savor mouthwatering Crock Pot Sticky Hawaiian Chicken, a tropical flavor explosion that transports palates to island paradise. Succulent chicken marinates in sweet-tangy sauce, promising a delicious dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl to create a robust marinade.
2. Place chicken thighs and chicken breasts into the crock pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
3. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the rich Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
5. After cooking, carefully remove the chicken and transfer to a cutting board, shredding it using two forks.
6. Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
7. Pour the slurry back into the crock pot, stirring to combine with the existing sauce and cooking on high for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, gently mixing to ensure even coating.
9. Stir in fresh pineapple chunks and drizzle sesame oil for an extra layer of depth.
10. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, macadamia nuts, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
11. Serve hot over steamed rice or with your preferred side dish.

Notes

• Enhance marinade flavor by letting chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator before slow cooking, allowing deeper penetration of Hawaiian-inspired seasonings.
• Transform dish into gluten-free option by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding cornstarch slurry and monitoring consistency, preventing potential over-thickening that might compromise the sauce’s silky texture.
• Optimize protein tenderness by selecting bone-in chicken thighs, which retain more moisture and develop richer flavor profiles during extended slow-cooking processes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg