Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken (Printable Version)

Tender slow-cooked chicken in a sweet, tangy pineapple-soy glaze with hints of ginger and garlic. An effortless Hawaiian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights.

# What You 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 - In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Place chicken thighs in the crock pot. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
03 - Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
04 - For a thicker sauce, remove chicken to a serving platter. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir slurry into the sauce in the crock pot, cover, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes, until thickened. Return chicken to the pot and coat with sauce.
05 - Serve chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and pineapple slices if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The slow cooker does all the work while your kitchen fills with the most incredible tropical aroma
  • That perfect balance of sweet pineapple and savory soy creates a sauce you will want to put on everything
02 -
  • Removing the lid during cooking adds significant time so resist the urge to check on it
  • The sauce will be thin until you add the cornstarch slurry or reduce it on the stove
03 -
  • Line your slow cooker with a liner for easier cleanup since the sugar can get stubborn
  • Use fresh pineapple juice rather than canned for the brightest flavor

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