Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken (Printable)
Juicy slow-cooked chicken in a sweet, smoky pineapple-soy glaze with authentic Hawaiian flavors.
# 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)
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
02 - Arrange chicken thighs in the crock pot. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, turning pieces to ensure even coating.
03 - Cover and cook on low heat for 4–6 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fork-tender.
04 - Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Combine cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce remaining in the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency. Return chicken to pot and coat thoroughly.
05 - Plate chicken over steamed rice. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Add fresh pineapple slices as a garnish if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The glaze strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tangy that makes everyone ask for seconds
- Your slow cooker transforms humble chicken thighs into impossibly tender meat that falls apart at the touch of a fork
02 -
- Don not skip the sesame oil, its the difference between good chicken and great chicken
- If you have time, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight in the refrigerator before cooking for deeper flavor penetration
03 -
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes before sprinkling, the aroma is incredible
- For authentic smoky flavor, quickly grill or broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes after slow cooking