Easy Sweet Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
A quick and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired sauce, served fresh in crisp lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2–3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until sugar dissolves, about 1-2 minutes.
- Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs and place them in the crockpot in a single layer if possible. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Scatter pineapple chunks over the chicken for extra sweetness and texture (optional but recommended).
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded.
- Using tongs or two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the sauce and pineapple chunks. Stir to coat evenly.
- While the chicken finishes cooking, rinse and dry the butter lettuce leaves carefully and keep them chilled until serving.
- Spoon the Hawaiian chicken into lettuce leaves, garnish with thinly sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
If the sauce is too thin after shredding the chicken, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce it slightly. Wash and dry lettuce leaves thoroughly and keep chilled to avoid sogginess. For extra flair, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped macadamia nuts on top. You can substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Fresh ginger can be replaced with ground ginger but flavor will be less vibrant. Chicken breasts can be used but thighs are preferred for juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lettuce wrap with
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: crockpot chicken, Hawaiian chicken, lettuce wraps, slow cooker recipe, sweet and savory chicken, easy dinner, healthy wraps