Crock Pot Huli Huli Chicken

Discover the secret to making the mouthwatering Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken with this quick and simple recipe. Juicy shredded chicken in a flavorful sauce, perfect for any meal.

Prepping the Chicken

To start, we’ll be using both chicken thighs and breasts. This choice is largely based on personal preference and availability. Chicken thighs bring in more flavor due to their higher fat content, while breasts tend to be leaner.

1. Remove Excess Fat: Begin by trimming off any excess fat from the thighs. While some fat adds to the flavor, too much can make the dish greasy.
2. Whole Pieces: In keeping with the simplicity of this dish, there’s no need to cut the chicken into pieces. This allows you flexibility—shred it later or leave it whole depending on your preference. Simply place the whole pieces into your slow cooker.

Making the Hully Hully Sauce

Now, let’s whip up the delectable Hully Hully sauce. The ingredients are straightforward, but together they create a rich, flavorful blend.

1. Pineapple Juice: Use unsweetened pineapple juice to avoid burning the chicken. The natural acidity will tenderize the meat while imparting a subtly sweet flavor.
2. Soy Sauce: For this recipe, dark soy sauce adds depth. It brings a robust flavor that light soy sauce cannot match.
3. Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps to balance the savory elements.
4. Garlic and Ginger Paste: Garlic and ginger are essential for that Asian-inspired flavor. You could use whole cloves or chopped ginger disks but be sure to remove them before serving to avoid biting into large, overpowering chunks.
5. Ketchup: Ketchup may sound unconventional, but it helps thicken the sauce and adds a hint of tanginess.

Simply mix all these ingredients in a bowl until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Start Cooking: Pour the mixed sauce over your prepared chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken pieces are well-coated and the sauce covers them adequately.
2. Set the Cooker: The cooking time can vary based on your specific appliance, but 5 to 8 hours on a slow cook setting should work well. The goal is to achieve tender, shreddable chicken.

Final Steps: Thickening and Shredding

After your chicken has been cooking for the allotted time, it’s time to thicken the sauce and decide how you’d like to serve it.

1. Removing and Preparing Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker to a bowl. It should be incredibly tender and might fall apart as you do this.
2. Cornstarch Slurry: To thicken the sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until it dissolves completely. Slowly add this mixture back into the sauce in the slow cooker, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. You can always add more if needed, but start sparingly.
3. Reintegrate Chicken: Now decide if you want to shred the chicken or keep it whole. Shredding will allow the sauce to better cling to the meat. Once prepared, return the chicken to the cooker and mix well.

Serving Suggestions

With minimal prep and a few hours of cooking, your Hully Hully Chicken is ready to be served. Here are a couple of ways to enjoy this dish:

1. Over Rice: A classic and simple choice, serve the chicken over plain white rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
2. With Pasta: Another great option is to serve the chicken over cooked pasta, which can turn it into a rich, hearty meal.
3. Slider Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and serve it on slider buns with grilled pineapple slices for an added sweetness.

For a final touch, consider adding some thinly shaved leeks or any leftover veggies for an extra kick.

Taste Test and Conclusion

All that’s left is to taste your delicious creation. The chicken should be tender, juicy, and practically melt in your mouth. The blend of pineapple, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a tantalizingly balanced flavor that fits beautifully with the simplicity of the dish.