The Juiciest Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners

Magical slow cookers bring out incredible flavors in this mouthwatering huli huli chicken recipe that promises a Hawaiian-inspired feast.

Tropical winds carry memories of sweet and tangy marinades across island kitchens.

Tender chicken pieces soak up rich pineapple and soy sauce combinations while gently cooking.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction with this simple yet stunning dish.

Succulent meat falls apart beautifully, creating a meal that feels like a mini vacation.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will make everyone at the table smile.

One bite transports you straight to a beachside luau with its perfect blend of sweet and savory notes.

Why Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken Is Worth Making Again

• Conquer Complex Flavors Easily: Dive into a Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish that packs massive taste without demanding advanced cooking skills.
• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Break free from boring meals with this crockpot recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Maximize Flavor, Minimize Effort: Combine simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices to create a mouthwatering sauce that infuses chicken with rich, tangy goodness.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy families, meal prep, or entertaining guests who crave bold, international-inspired cuisine without complicated techniques.

Ingredients For Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

• Bone-In Skin-On Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides a rich and juicy base for the Hawaiian-inspired dish.

• Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor and saltiness to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze.
• Ketchup: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet undertone to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Offers a subtle acidic balance to the rich flavors.
• Honey: Enhances the sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty and aromatic dimension to the sauce.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that add sharp and zesty flavor notes.
• Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide warmth and a subtle heat to the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce and give it a luxurious consistency.

• Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a bright and crisp finishing touch to the dish.

Steps To Prepare Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into the crockpot, creating a delicious foundation for this tropical-inspired meal.

Step 2: Whisk Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Sesame oil

Whisk ingredients until they blend into a smooth, glossy mixture that promises incredible taste.

Step 3: Boost Sauce Complexity

• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Stir thoroughly to distribute aromatics evenly and create a rich flavor profile.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Generously

Pour the prepared sauce over chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is completely covered and infused with amazing flavors.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot and set to low heat. Allow chicken to simmer slowly for 6-7 hours, transforming into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.

Step 6: Thicken Sauce

During the final 30 minutes, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth. Gently stir into the sauce to develop a luxurious, glossy texture.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Carefully transfer chicken to a serving platter, showcasing meat that falls apart effortlessly.

Step 8: Final Sauce Drizzle

Pour thickened sauce over chicken, ensuring each piece glistens with a caramelized, tantalizing glaze.

Step 9: Add Fresh Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top, adding a bright, crisp finishing touch that complements the deep, savory flavors.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

• Swap Chicken Cuts: Easily substitute bone-in thighs with boneless chicken breasts or pork, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Reduce Sugar Smartly: Cut down brown sugar and honey for a less sweet version, balancing flavors without losing the dish's Hawaiian essence.
• Boost Spice Levels: Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for those craving more heat, creating a personalized flavor intensity.
• Prevent Sauce Burning: Pour a thin layer of water or chicken broth at the bottom of crockpot to prevent sauce from scorching during long cooking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sauce and chicken a day ahead, storing separately in refrigerator to enhance flavor development and simplify meal preparation.

Fresh Takes On Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

• Island-Style Pork Swap: Replace chicken thighs with pork shoulder for a hearty, equally tender alternative that absorbs the Hawaiian-inspired sauce beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Delight: Substitute soy sauce with tamari, and use gluten-free ketchup to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original's rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Tropical Option: Swap chicken for firm tofu or jackfruit, pressing and marinating beforehand to ensure maximum sauce absorption and a satisfying meat-like texture.
• Low-Carb Coconut Fusion: Replace brown sugar with monk sweetener and add coconut milk for a keto-friendly adaptation that keeps the tropical essence intact while reducing carbohydrate content.

Best Foods To Pair With Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

• Pair Sweet Pineapple Mocktail: Create a refreshing tropical drink using fresh pineapple juice, sparkling water, and a hint of mint to complement the dish's Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
• Serve Coconut Rice: Prepare fluffy white rice cooked with coconut milk, which offers a creamy, smooth base that beautifully absorbs the chicken's rich, caramelized sauce.
• Balance with Crisp Asian Slaw: Whip up a light, tangy coleslaw featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and a zesty rice vinegar dressing to cut through the chicken's deep, savory notes.
• Complement with Cucumber Salad: Toss sliced cucumbers with sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey to provide a cool, refreshing side that enhances the meal's tropical essence.

How To Store Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken The Easy Way

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the meat and sauce together to maintain moisture. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or reserved sauce to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between rounds until heated through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish with a little added sauce.

FAQs For Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level is mild with a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to increase or decrease spiciness according to your preference.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their rich flavor and tenderness, you can substitute chicken breasts. However, they might become drier and less flavorful compared to bone-in, skin-on thighs.

• Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?

A standard crockpot or slow cooker is essential. Other basic kitchen tools like a whisk, measuring cups, and a mixing bowl will help you prepare the sauce easily.

Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hawaiian flavors dance through this Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken, blending sweet and tangy pineapple-soy sauce with tender, slow-cooked chicken. Tropical paradise meets home cooking, promising a delicious meal that transports you to island shores with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp sesame oil

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
• 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a culinary canvas by placing bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into the crockpot, creating a protein foundation for this Hawaiian-inspired dish.
2. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil until the ingredients harmonize into a glossy, aromatic blend.
3. Enhance the sauce’s depth by incorporating minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute the robust aromatics evenly.
4. Lavishly pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and infused with the complex flavor profile.
5. Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the chicken to slowly simmer and absorb the sauce for 6-7 hours, transforming into tender, succulent morsels.
6. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth, then gently stir into the sauce to achieve a luxurious, glossy consistency.
7. Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer the chicken to a serving platter, revealing meat that effortlessly falls off the bone.
8. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece glistens with the rich, caramelized glaze.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a bright, crisp element to the dish that complements the deep, savory flavors.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness and maintain tenderness.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or stevia for diabetic-friendly and low-carb dietary needs.
• Add pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking to enhance tropical flavors and introduce natural sweetness and moisture to the dish.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this delectable meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg