Hey there, friends! If you’re on the hunt for a dinner recipe that’s bursting with flavor and super easy to whip up, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: crock pot huli huli chicken! This dish hails from the beautiful islands of Hawaii and is a true taste of the tropics. The name “huli huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the way the chicken is traditionally grilled. But don’t worry about firing up the grill; my crock pot version is just as delicious and requires minimal effort! You simply throw everything in, let it slowly cook, and voilà! You’ll have tender, juicy chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy sauce that’s perfect over rice. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this crock pot huli huli chicken is as simple as it gets, and I promise you, the flavor is out of this world! Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Cooking
- First, grab a mixing bowl and combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk it all together until the sugar dissolves and everything is well blended. Oh, the aroma already starts to get you excited!
- Now, it’s time to place those chicken thighs in your crock pot. Make sure they’re spread out evenly so they all get that delicious sauce treatment.
- Next, pour the sauce you just whipped up over the chicken. Make sure each piece is nicely coated—this is where the magic happens!
- Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a bit of a rush, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours instead. Just be sure to check that the chicken is tender and juicy when it’s done!
- Once it’s cooked to perfection, serve your huli huli chicken over a bed of fluffy rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions for that fresh touch. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!
And there you have it! An effortless dinner that’s bursting with Hawaiian flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few ingredients and a crock pot, you can set it and forget it! No need to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger creates a sweet and savory sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures your chicken turns out juicy and tender every time. You’ll love how it practically falls off the bone!
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to introduce Hawaiian flavors to your family!
- Healthy Option: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is gluten-free and can easily fit into a balanced meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day!
- Versatile Serving: Serve it over rice, in a wrap, or with a side of veggies. The options are endless!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to embark on your crock pot huli huli chicken adventure, here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure everything turns out just right:
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, consider marinating the chicken thighs overnight in the sauce before cooking. This will really deepen the flavors and make every bite even more delicious!
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your personal preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more; if you prefer a tangier flavor, reduce it slightly.
- Chicken Breasts Option: If you prefer a leaner cut, you can absolutely use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit faster.
- Add Some Veggies: For a complete meal, consider throwing in some chopped bell peppers or carrots into the crock pot. They’ll soak up all that tasty sauce and add color and nutrition!
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t skip the chopped green onions on top when serving! They add a fresh crunch that perfectly complements the sweet and savory chicken.
- Pair with Sides: Serve the chicken over rice, but also think about adding a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a huli huli chicken pro in no time. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this crock pot huli huli chicken! Here are some of my favorite variations that you can try:
- Chicken Breasts: Want a lighter option? Swap out the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just remember, they might cook a tad faster, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high!
- Vegetable Medley: For a colorful and nutritious twist, toss in some chopped veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas right before you pour the sauce over the chicken. They’ll soak up all that delicious flavor and add some crunch!
- Pineapple Chunks: Add fresh or canned pineapple chunks to the crock pot for an extra burst of sweetness and texture. They caramelize beautifully and make the dish even more tropical!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. It’ll give your huli huli chicken that extra zing that’ll keep you coming back for more!
- Teriyaki Twist: For a different flavor profile, try substituting the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce. It’ll add a lovely sweetness and a hint of garlic that’s just divine!
- Huli Huli Tacos: Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime for a fun taco night twist!
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own. Each variation brings something unique to the table, and I can’t wait for you to discover your favorite version!
Nutritional Information Section
This crock pot huli huli chicken is not just delicious, but it also packs a nutritious punch! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to check the nutritional labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy this scrumptious meal while keeping an eye on your nutritional goals!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So you’ve made a big batch of my delicious crock pot huli huli chicken and now you’ve got some leftovers—great news! Properly storing and reheating this dish will keep those tropical flavors alive and delicious for you to enjoy later. Here’s how to do it:
First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. If you’ve got any leftover sauce, don’t forget to drizzle that in too! Seal the container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Trust me, the flavors will continue to meld and get even better!
When it comes to reheating, there are a couple of options. For the best results, I recommend using the stove or microwave. If you’re using the stovetop, just place the chicken and some sauce in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through—about 6-8 minutes should do the trick. This method helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time, the microwave works just fine! Just place a portion of chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this keeps it from drying out), and microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Be careful not to overcook it, or you might end up with a rubbery texture—yikes!
And there you have it! Enjoy those tasty leftovers just as much as the first time around, and don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken thighs, but keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be extended a bit. Just ensure that the chicken is fully cooked to a safe temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What should I serve with crock pot huli huli chicken?
This dish is fantastic served over fluffy white rice or brown rice. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even wrap it in tortillas for a fun twist!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and marinate the chicken the night before. Just store everything in the fridge until you’re ready to throw it in the crock pot the next day. It makes for a super easy dinner!
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas is a great way to make this dish even more nutritious. Just toss them in with the chicken and sauce, and they’ll cook perfectly together!
For more information on the health benefits of pineapple, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on how to cook chicken safely, visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Print
Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken: 7 Steps to Paradise
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and easy recipe for Huli Huli Chicken made in a crock pot.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with rice and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar.
- Use chicken breasts if preferred.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crock pot huli huli chicken