Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken recipe because it’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and just a little bit spicy—like a tropical vacation for your taste buds without ever leaving your kitchen. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how tender and juicy the chicken turns out after slow cooking with pineapple and apricot jam. It’s a recipe you can toss in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a sticky, flavorful dish that practically makes itself.

You’ll find that this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken recipe works great for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even when you want to impress without tons of effort. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, while the pineapple juice and apricot jam create a deliciously sticky glaze that clings to every bite. Trust me, your family will go crazy for this one, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create that signature sticky, tropical flavor Hawaiian food is known for. When shopping, I always pick fresh garlic and good quality apricot jam to really let the flavors shine through.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts stay tender and shred easily after slow cooking, which is ideal here.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the chicken as it cooks.
• Pineapple juice: This gives a naturally sweet and tangy flavor that brightens the dish.
• Crushed pineapple: I always use canned crushed pineapple with juice for extra flavor and texture.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings warmth and aroma; don’t skip it!
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Apricot jam: The secret ingredient that makes the sauce sticky and fruity.
• Soy sauce: Provides a salty umami kick necessary for contrast.
• Teriyaki sauce: Adds depth with a subtle sweet-savory layer.
• Hoisin sauce: Gives complexity with its rich, aromatic profile.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch gives just the right amount of heat.
• Cornstarch mixed with water (or Wondra flour): Used to thicken the sauce perfectly, so it clings beautifully to the shredded chicken.
• Hot cooked rice (optional): Serve alongside or under the chicken to soak up that delicious sauce.
• Chopped green onions (optional): Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast and gorgeous color.
• Sesame seeds (optional): I love sprinkling these on top for a nutty finish and pretty presentation.

Variations

I love how customizable this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken recipe is. You can tweak it easily based on what you have in the kitchen or your family’s preferences—plus, it’s fun to experiment with different twists!

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to spice things up for my husband who loves heat.
• Vegetarian Swap: I’ve swapped chicken for tofu chunks or jackfruit to make a vegan version that still steals the show.
• Fruit Variations: Trying mango instead of pineapple adds a fresh variation, which my friends actually adored!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch or arrowroot powder to keep it gluten free without losing flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Set Up the Slow Cooker for Juicy Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts, chicken broth, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, whole garlic cloves, and salt right into your slow cooker. I like to use the high setting for 4 hours so the chicken becomes ultra tender and juicy without drying out. Make sure your slow cooker size is adequate to fit everything comfortably.

Step 2: Remove, Drain, and Prepare the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully transfer the breasts to a cutting board. Then, drain the liquid from the slow cooker into a large measuring cup or bowl. You’ll want to keep about 2 cups of this liquid, making sure some crushed pineapple stays in—this is where all the tropical flavor lives. Pour that back into the slow cooker and discard the rest of the liquid.

Step 3: Mix the Saucy Goodness

Add the apricot jam, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and your cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker liquid. Whisk everything together until smooth. This sauce is the magic ingredient that turns your chicken perfectly sticky and bursting with Hawaiian flavors.

Step 4: Shred and Simmer

Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts finely or to your preferred chunkiness—this step is so satisfying, and shredding makes the chicken soak up that sticky sauce better. Toss the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stir it well to coat with sauce, cover again, and cook on high for one more hour. This final hour lets the flavors meld into something really special.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon your sticky chicken over hot cooked rice—trust me, the rice catches all that incredible sauce perfectly. I like to finish mine with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish with chopped green onions and a good sprinkle of sesame seeds because they add freshness and a slight crunch—plus, they look gorgeous on the plate. You can also add a few fresh cilantro leaves if you want a little herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all the sticky sauce. For extra veggies, I like to serve it with sautéed broccoli or snap peas. Sometimes, we make a simple cucumber salad on the side to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken in lettuce cups topped with diced mango and chopped macadamia nuts—everyone loved the fun, fresh twist! You can also pile it onto slider buns for Hawaiian-style sandwiches that are perfect for parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and find they keep perfectly for up to 4 days. The sauce tends to thicken more overnight, which I actually love—just stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating if it feels too thick.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After cooking, cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Just like fresh, it tastes amazing and keeps that sticky glaze texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently until warmed through. This prevents drying out and helps the sauce stay luscious. The microwave works fine too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Sticky Chicken recipe quickly became one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting, bursting with flavor, and ridiculously easy to make. There’s something truly special about that sticky, fruity glaze paired with tender shredded chicken that always brings smiles around my table. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll love how hands-off and delicious it is, and trust me, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a busy evening.

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