Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken

Crock pot Huli Huli chicken is inspired by the Pacific island flavors of Hawaii. Loaded with tender chicken thighs and a sweet and tangy sauce full of pineapple, ginger, and sesame, this recipe will have you saying "aloha" with every bite.

The sweet and tangy flavors of Hawaiian cooking have always appealed to me. It's a flavor combination that combines so many flavors to absolute perfection. That's why I and my family love this Huli Huli chicken so much. It uses simple ingredients to create delicious flavor in every bite.

Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

• It uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
• The sweet and tangy flavor is a combination that even kids love.
• It's an easy weeknight dinner you can make any night of the week.
• It's a versatile dish that is perfect with rice and noodles or as a filling for tacos or sandwiches.
• It's a freezer-friendly dish perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs - excess fat removed
• Pineapple juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Fresh ginger - grated
• Garlic - minced
• Cornstarch
• Water

See the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.

How to Make Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken

1: Place the chicken in the bottom of a crock pot.

2: Combine the rest of the ingredients except water and cornstarch in a bowl.

3: Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook until the thighs are super tender.

4: Remove the chicken and whisk the cornstarch and water together. Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir.

5: Add the chicken thighs - whole or shredded - back to the crock pot and cook until the sauce thickens. Enjoy!

Hint

If you opt to shred your chicken, do so while it's as hot as safe to handle. Hot meat shreds very easily, while cool meat doesn't.

Recipe Tips

• For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
• You can make a thicker sauce by adding more cornstarch and water.
• Use the leftover sauce as a glaze or dipping sauce. Just transfer it to a saucepan and simmer until super thick.
• You can spray the bottom of your crockpot with non-stick spray to be doubly sure nothing sticks.
• Always shred your chicken while it's hot. It's so much easier.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

• Try adding sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use different juices like orange, pineapple/mango, or your other favorite tropical flavors to change the flavor profile.
• Add a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness.
• Add your favorite herbs and spices to complement the other flavors in the recipe.
• You can make this recipe with chicken breasts, pork chops, or even a pork loin.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken

This sweet and tangy chicken is perfect with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables. Try different variations to create delicious meals the entire family will love.

• Roasted Potatoes
• Cornbread
• Corn on the Cob

Storage

Refrigerate this chicken for up to 3 days in an air-tight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag with as much air removed as possible.

To reheat the chicken, defrost it if frozen. Then, place it in a saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.