Some days are simply too busy to spend hours standing in the kitchen. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, your slow cooker takes care of the rest.
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish known for its sweet and savory glaze. The traditional version is cooked on a grill and turned several times while cooking. In fact, the word “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian.
This slow cooker version keeps all of those classic flavors while making the recipe much easier for everyday cooking. The chicken slowly cooks in a homemade sauce until it’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons this recipe earns a regular spot on the dinner menu.
- Only a few minutes of preparation.
- The slow cooker does almost all of the work.
- Perfect for busy weekdays and family dinners.
- Easy to prepare ahead for meal planning.
- Delicious served whole or shredded.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 to 7 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- â…“ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Step by step
This recipe couldn’t be much easier.
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, grated ginger, and minced garlic until everything is fully combined.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs into your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 7 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
If you need dinner a little sooner, you can cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low will usually give you the most tender results.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter.
Whisk the cornstarch into the hot cooking liquid until smooth. Let the sauce cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the chicken whole with the sauce spooned over the top, or shred it with two forks and return it to the slow cooker so it can soak up even more flavor.
Either way, it’s delicious served over rice or tucked into sandwich buns for an easy family meal.
Tips and Variations
If you’re making this recipe for the first time, these simple tips can help.
Chicken thighs stay extra tender during slow cooking, but chicken breasts are a great option if you prefer leaner meat.
For even more tropical flavor, add fresh pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking.
Bell peppers and sliced onions also make a nice addition and turn this into a complete one-pot meal.
Serve the finished chicken over steamed rice, brown rice, or coconut rice. A sprinkle of sliced green onions or sesame seeds makes a simple finishing touch.
If your family enjoys a little heat, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Allow the chicken to cool before storing it in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a small splash of chicken broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Cooked Huli Huli Chicken also freezes well for up to three months.
Freezer Meal Instructions
This recipe is also a great option for meal prep.
To freeze, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, and garlic in a large freezer-safe bag. Add the raw chicken, remove as much air as possible, and seal the bag. Freeze flat for up to three months.
When you’re ready to cook, let the bag thaw slightly before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken, thicken the sauce with the cornstarch, then return the chicken to the slow cooker before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well in this recipe, although chicken thighs tend to stay a little more tender during long cooking times.
Can I cook it on HIGH?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. LOW cooking is recommended for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Absolutely. It’s a great meal prep recipe because the flavors continue to develop after a day in the refrigerator.
What should I serve with Huli Huli Chicken?
Steamed rice, coconut rice, roasted vegetables, broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad all pair well with this dish.
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains approximately 488 calories, 61 grams of protein, 31 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 grams of fat. It also provides about 0.3 grams of fiber, 25 grams of sugar, 287 milligrams of cholesterol, and 1,476 milligrams of sodium. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is calculated using online nutrition tools and should be used as an estimate only. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and cooking methods.