There s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to the sweet and savory aroma of Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken wafting through your kitchen. I love this recipe because it takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, thanks to the blend of pineapple, apricot jam, and soy-based sauces. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning simple chicken breasts into irresistibly tender and sticky goodness that feels like a tropical vacation on your plate.
You ll find that this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want an easy crowd-pleaser without fuss. The combo of fruitiness and umami is spot-on, balancing out the sticky sauce just right. Plus, it s a fantastic recipe to prep ahead or even make in bigger batches – you really can t go wrong with this one in your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Flavor: The slow cooker turns simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, tender dish with minimal hands-on time.
- Perfect Balance: Sweet pineapple and savory soy sauces create that signature Hawaiian sticky glaze that everyone craves.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, add your favorite garnishes, or use it as a filling for wraps and sliders.
- Great for Any Season: It s a bright and comforting dish that works just as well in cozy winter months as in summer gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this recipe is how all the ingredients work together to hit that perfect sweet-and-savory note. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and good quality pineapple juice-these make a big difference in the depth of flavor you ll get.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They shred easily and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth, making the sauce richer without being heavy.
- Pineapple juice: Gives that classic tropical sweetness that s essential to Hawaiian flavor.
- Crushed pineapple: Adds texture and bursts of juicy flavor in the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic provides a warm, aromatic base.
- Salt: Simple but crucial for balancing the sweet and tangy elements.
- Apricot jam: This is my secret layer of sweetness and stickiness-don t skip it!
- Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness that anchors the dish.
- Teriyaki sauce: Adds depth and complexity with a subtle smokiness.
- Hoisin sauce: Gives a slightly sweet, tangy flavor with a hint of five-spice aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to balance all the sweetness.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (or Wondra flour): For thickening the sauce to that perfect sticky consistency.
- Hot cooked rice (optional): The perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Adds fresh color and a mild oniony bite as garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a lovely nutty crunch on top.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak just a bit for different tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own-this recipe is a great starting point.
- Add Fresh Ginger: I like grating a bit of fresh ginger into the sauce some days-it adds a lovely zing that brightens the dish.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For an even juicier, more flavorful meal, swap chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs.
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, I ve thrown in extra red pepper flakes or even a dab of sriracha-my family loves the kick!
- Try it Gluten-Free: Just swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it safe but still delicious.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Base in Your Slow Cooker
Start by placing the chicken breasts right in the slow cooker. Then pour in the chicken broth, pineapple juice, and crushed pineapple-don t drain that juice; it s part of the magic. Toss in the garlic cloves whole and sprinkle the salt evenly over everything. I always find it easier to press the garlic down a bit so the flavors infuse the chicken while it cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook on High for Four Hours
Set your slow cooker to high and let it work its magic for 4 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and will soak up those tropical flavors. Be patient here-don t peek too much or open the lid too often, as it can affect cooking time and heat levels.
Step 3: Remove and Shred Chicken
When the timer s up, carefully remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces-this is my favorite part because the chicken s so juicy it pulls apart effortlessly. Set the shredded chicken aside for a moment.
Step 4: Prepare the Sticky Sauce
Pour the slow cooker liquid through a strainer into a measuring cup or bowl to remove excess garlic and solids. Save about 2 cups of this flavorful liquid (including some crushed pineapple bits) and pour it back into the slow cooker-you want to keep all those tasty juices that make the sauce sticky and sweet. Discard any extra liquid to avoid diluting the sauce.
Next, stir in the apricot jam, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and your cornstarch slurry. Whisk it well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Step 5: Combine Shredded Chicken and Sauce
Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce, making sure every tender shred gets nicely coated. Cover and cook on high for another hour so the sauce thickens perfectly and clings to the chicken in that signature sticky way.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once it s done, ladle the sticky chicken over hot cooked rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like a bit of crunch and freshness. Trust me, this dish tastes even better the next day once the flavors settle in, but it s absolutely delicious fresh off the cooker too.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe
- Use Fresh Garlic: Whole garlic cloves mellow beautifully during slow cooking, lending subtle flavor without overpowering the chicken.
- Don t Skip Straining: Straining the cooking liquid before making your sauce ensures a smooth, perfectly textured glaze without bits getting in the way.
- Cornstarch Slurry Mastery: Mix your cornstarch and water thoroughly to avoid lumps and get that silky sauce consistency every time.
- Slow Cooker Settings: If you feel your slow cooker runs hot, reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
When serving, I always top this sticky chicken with chopped green onions for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast, plus toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Both garnishes brighten the plate and add texture, taking the presentation from homely to just a little restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
I like to keep it simple here-steamed jasmine or basmati rice is my go-to base, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. For veggies, a quick sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or even a crisp cucumber salad pairs beautifully and keeps things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I ve served this slow cooker Hawaiian sticky chicken in lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of chopped macadamia nuts-it adds a fun crunch and tropical vibe that guests love. You can also pile the chicken into slider buns with a little extra sauce and a slice of grilled pineapple for a party-friendly option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The sticky sauce sometimes thickens in the fridge, but a quick warm-up with a splash of water or broth brings back that perfect texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes very well, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. Just let the chicken cool, then portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It keeps for up to 3 months, and thawing it overnight in the fridge before reheating works best for retaining texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, I find gently warming on the stovetop over low heat is best-it helps keep the sauce luscious without drying the chicken out. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick or sticky.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay moist even longer during slow cooking. They ll add a richer flavor and texture, making the dish even more succulent.
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Is it necessary to strain the cooking liquid before making the sticky sauce?
Straining is highly recommended as it removes garlic cloves and pineapple chunks that might interfere with getting a smooth, glossy sauce. It helps achieve that beautiful sticky consistency that clings perfectly to shredded chicken.
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Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld more deeply. Prepare it completely, refrigerate overnight, then reheat gently before serving.
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What can I serve with Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken?
Steamed rice is the classic partner, but feel free to mix it up with cauliflower rice, noodle bowls, or fresh green salads. Sautéed or steamed veggies like broccoli or bok choy complement the dish beautifully.
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Can this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure your teriyaki and hoisin sauces are gluten-free varieties. This keeps all the flavor while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe has been one of those dishes I return to again and again because it s just that good-and that easy. Whether you re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy yet fresh, it delivers every time. I can t recommend it enough to anyone who loves that perfect mix of sticky sweetness and tender chicken. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your house, just like it did in mine!
Print
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, apricot jam, soy and hoisin sauces. The slow-cooked chicken is shredded and simmered again in a sticky, sweet-tangy sauce infused with garlic and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect served over hot rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this easy-to-make dish brings tropical flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup crushed pineapple
- 3 medium garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauces and Thickeners
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (or 1 tablespoon Wondra flour)
Serving and Garnish
- Hot cooked rice (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, garlic cloves, and salt into your slow cooker. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cook Chicken: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove and Drain: Take the chicken out onto a cutting board. Carefully drain the liquid from the slow cooker into a large measuring cup or bowl.
- Save Sauce Base: Reserve 2 cups of the liquid with some crushed pineapple and discard the rest of the liquid from the slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce: Add the apricot jam, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and the cornstarch-water mixture to the reserved liquid in the slow cooker. Whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and Cook: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the sauce, stirring well to coat. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 hour to thicken the sauce and infuse flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian sticky chicken over hot cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds as desired for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- For thicker sauce, you can adjust the cornstarch amount based on your desired consistency.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; flavors often improve with resting time in the refrigerator.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Apricot jam can be substituted with peach or pineapple jam if desired.
