Huli Huli Chicken

Savor the rich, tropical flavors of Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken. This easy-to-make Hawaiian dish features tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and savory marinade of soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger.

Huli Huli Chicken is a mouthwatering Hawaiian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Especially during the summer! We’re talking about tender chicken thighs cooked in a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and pineapple.

I think the ginger and pineapple are my favorite parts of this dish. It makes the perfect combination of tropical flavors with the chicken. Soooo darn tasty!

The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken that always has everyone coming back for more. Great if you’re cooking for a family dinner or a summer barbecue, this recipe is sure to impress.

Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the flavors of Hawaii to your table. With its tender, juicy chicken and savory sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Whether cooking it in a slow cooker, grilling it, or baking it in the oven, this recipe is easy to follow and yields amazing results. 

Common Questions About Huli Huli Chicken

Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor, you can use any cut of chicken you like.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even a whole chicken can work. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I Make Huli Huli Chicken on the Grill?

Yes, Huli Huli Chicken is fantastic on the grill. After marinating the chicken, cook it over medium-high heat on a gas grill or charcoal grill.

Use indirect heat to avoid burning the sugar in the marinade. Grill for about 25-30 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.

What Can I Serve With Huli Huli Chicken?

Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it over white rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Other great side dishes include macaroni salad, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a tropical twist, try serving it with coconut rice or pineapple slices.

Storage

We’re talking about authentic Huli Huli chicken here. This is why homemade is always best! I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t buy this chicken anywhere in my area.

Refrigerator

Store any leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezer

You can freeze Huli Huli Chicken for up to three months. Let the chicken cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips

Oh please make sure you cook that skin nice and golden brown! This is a trade secret with Hawaiian meats. That seer makes a world of difference.

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to get a nice golden brown skin.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade while cooking for extra flavor.
• Serve with fresh pineapple slices for a tropical touch.

Ingredients

There is a reason this Hawaiian chicken is so delicious. Look at that list of ingredients! Be sure to save that recipe card.

• Chicken thighs
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Butter
• Pineapple rings
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Ground ginger
• Garlic
• Scallions

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

The slow cooker is going to do most of the work for us. If we can make the cooking process simpler, I’m all for it! 

1. Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
3. Place the thighs skin side down in the pan for 3-4 minutes, you just want to get a good golden brown color on the skin.
4. Once the skin is golden add your thighs to the slow cooker.
5. Combine the juice from the pineapple, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic in a small bowl.
6. Pour the sauce over the thighs, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. 
7. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and place it on a baking sheet.
8. Add the pineapple slices and broil until the skin starts to caramelize.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Huli Huli Chicken

Huli-Huli chicken has always been a favorite of mine. Since my younger days, I have craved this chicken dish, haha!

• Large skillet
• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs
• Baking sheet
• Small bowl
• Whisk

What to Serve With Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• White rice or jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce.
• Macaroni salad for a creamy and refreshing side.
• Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Coconut rice for a tropical twist.
• Fresh green salad for a light and healthy complement.

Why You Should Make Huli Huli Chicken

It’s probably the best thing you’ll make this week. Just saying guys. I can’t tell you enough how much I love it.

• Bursting with flavor, combining sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
• Versatile, can be made in a slow cooker, grill, or oven.
• Perfect for gatherings, from family dinners to summer barbecues.
• Easy to prepare, with simple ingredients and steps.
• Great for meal prep, with leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Variations and Add-Ins for Huli Huli Chicken

Try out a few different ideas. Maybe it won’t be authentic Huli Huli Chicken anymore. Who cares though? It’ll taste amazing!

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh ginger for an extra burst of flavor.
• Try coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Marinate with lime juice for a tangy twist.
• Include Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
• Serve with grilled pineapple for a sweet and savory combination.

If you love this chicken dinner recipe, you’re going to love these other slow cooker chicken meals too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Hawaiian Recipes

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Fried Rice

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs

Hawaiian Havarti Pork Sliders

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