Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that brings the flavors of the tropics right to your dinner table. With a delicious blend of pineapple juice, ginger, and soy sauce, it’s a taste of paradise in every bite.

The tender chicken thighs absorb a sweet, savory sauce made with brown sugar, ketchup, and garlic, making it an easy yet flavorful meal. Whether you prefer it in whole pieces or shredded, this dish is versatile and satisfying.

Perfect for busy days, this crockpot recipe requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Enjoy it as a sandwich filler, rice topping, or as is for a comforting dinner that’s sure to impress.

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Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients

Pineapple juice adds a refreshing tropical sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory depth of soy sauce. Brown sugar enhances the sauce with a rich, caramelized flavor, while ketchup contributes a tangy smoothness. Fresh ginger and garlic bring aromatic warmth and spice to this vibrant dish.

Recipe Tips

1. Use Boneless, Skinless Thighs for Tenderness
   While chicken breasts work in this recipe, boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for their tenderness and ability to absorb the flavorful sauce. The slow cooking process ensures that the thighs stay juicy and fall-apart tender, making the dish even more enjoyable.
2. Control Sauce Thickness with Cornstarch
   The cornstarch is key to creating a glossy, thick sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the full amount of cornstarch. For a lighter, more liquid consistency, feel free to reduce or skip the cornstarch. Adjust the sauce to suit your preference.
3. Add a Pineapple Boost for Extra Flavor
   To enhance the tropical flavor, consider adding some chopped pineapple chunks into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. This addition not only boosts the pineapple taste but also provides a bit of texture to the dish.

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What to Serve with Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
   The sweet and savory sauce of the huli huli chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice. The rice absorbs the rich sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. For extra flavor, drizzle some of the sauce over the rice.
2. Grilled Vegetables
   Lightly charred, smoky vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions complement the tropical sweetness of the chicken. Grilled vegetables add a smoky depth and balance out the sweetness with their natural savory notes.
3. Hawaiian-Style Slaw
   A tangy, crunchy slaw with a hint of sweetness makes an excellent side to the huli huli chicken. The combination of cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing provides texture contrast, while enhancing the dish with its fresh, crisp flavor.

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FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, while chicken thighs offer the best tenderness, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used as an alternative. However, they might dry out slightly due to the longer cooking time, so check for doneness toward the end.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just place everything in the crockpot and set it to cook. The flavors will have more time to meld, making the dish even better.
3. Can I freeze leftover huli huli chicken?
   Yes, this dish freezes well! Simply store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce?
   Yes, feel free to adjust the sauce to your liking. For a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar or pineapple juice. For a tangier kick, increase the amount of soy sauce or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

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Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken

Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken is a convenient, flavorful dish that combines the ease of slow cooking with the vibrant, tropical flavors of ginger, garlic, pineapple, and brown sugar. With its sweet, tangy, and savory profile, this meal is perfect for those who enjoy a balanced and satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Total Time 7 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (chicken breasts can also be used)
• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

 

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, and garlic until fully combined.
• Arrange the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the prepared sauce mixture over the top. Set the crockpot to cook on low for 5 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the sauce.
• Once the cooking time has passed, remove the chicken from the crockpot. Whisk in the cornstarch to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
• At this stage, you can choose to serve the chicken in its whole thigh pieces, accompanied by the sauce. Alternatively, shred the chicken and return it to the crockpot, stirring it into the sauce. Shredded chicken is perfect for serving as a filling for sandwiches or a topping for rice.

Keyword Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken