Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken (Printable Version)

Tender slow-cooked chicken with a sweet, tangy pineapple-soy glaze bringing authentic Hawaiian flavors to your table.

# What You’ll 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

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper in a medium bowl until well combined.
02 - Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
03 - Cover and cook on low setting for 4–6 hours until chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
04 - For thicker consistency, transfer chicken to a serving platter. Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir into the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to coat evenly.
05 - Plate the chicken over steamed rice and top with green onions, sesame seeds, and pineapple slices if desired.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The chicken becomes impossibly tender, practically falling apart when you look at it
  • That glaze strikes the perfect balance between sweet pineapple and savory soy
02 -
  • Searing the chicken in a hot skillet for just two minutes per side before slow cooking adds a smoky depth that reminds people of grill marks
  • The sauce will be thin until you add the cornstarch step, so do not panic when you first check on it
03 -
  • Line your slow cooker with a disposable liner for the easiest cleanup ever
  • Fresh pineapple slices grilled alongside the chicken make the prettiest presentation

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