Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe with Sweet Tangy Glaze
A simple and flavorful slow cooker Hawaiian chicken recipe with a sweet and tangy glaze that cooks low and slow for tender, juicy chicken perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and lightly season with salt and pepper if desired.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until sugar dissolves.
- Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the slow cooker. Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Carefully remove chicken and keep warm. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.
- Pour cooking liquid into a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in slurry, and cook 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Return chicken to the pot or serving dish, pour thickened glaze over, and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or with vegetables.
Notes
Dry chicken before glazing to help sauce stick better. Browning chicken before slow cooking is optional but adds flavor. Use tamari for gluten-free option. Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry for best texture. Avoid lifting slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain heat. For a caramelized finish, broil chicken 2-3 minutes before serving. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Hawaiian chicken, sweet and tangy glaze, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, chicken thighs, pineapple chicken