Irresistible Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Wings: Your Ultimate Guide to Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Perfection

Prepare for a culinary delight that promises big sweet-and-savory flavor with almost no hands-on work: Crockpot Hawaiian chicken wings. These wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering, game day, or even a simple, satisfying weeknight meal. Forget the fuss and embrace the ease of slow cooking as your kitchen fills with an aroma that will have everyone eager for a taste.

Inspired by the rich, complex flavors of huli huli chicken, these wings boast a delectable pineapple-soy marinade infused with fragrant garlic and spicy ginger. But here’s the best part: unlike many traditional wing recipes, there’s no deep-frying involved. Your trusty slow cooker takes on all the heavy lifting, ensuring the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with flavor. A quick finish under the broiler at the end adds that coveted caramelized, sticky glaze that makes them truly finger-lickin’ good.

The slow cooker is an absolute superstar when it comes to party food prep, especially for appetizers and finger foods that demand minimal attention but deliver maximum impact. Over the years, I’ve relied on it for everything from creamy crockpot buffalo chicken dip and savory crockpot spinach and artichoke dip to fun little smokies and classic coca cola meatballs. Now, these sweet and sticky pineapple chicken wings have officially earned their place in my go-to lineup of effortless entertaining recipes. They’re ideal for a bustling game day, a casual get-together with friends, or simply when you want a lazy weeknight dinner that feels far more special than the effort put in.

Essential Ingredients for Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Wings

This section provides detailed ingredient notes, explanations for their role in the flavor profile, and smart substitution options to help you tailor the recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand. For precise measurements, the full ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the end of this post.

• Chicken Wings: You’ll need about 4 pounds of chicken wings. These can be fresh or frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure even cooking and optimal sauce absorption. For an alternative, refer to our “Additions & Variations” section for tips on using chicken breasts or thighs.
• Granulated & Light Brown Sugar: The combination of these two sugars creates the signature sweet element of our Hawaiian glaze. Granulated sugar provides direct sweetness, while light brown sugar adds a richer, deeper sweetness with subtle molasses notes, contributing to that irresistible sticky texture.
• Fresh Garlic (Minced) & Ground Ginger: These aromatic powerhouses are crucial for building the savory foundation and adding a subtle, zesty bite. Freshly minced garlic offers a pungent, robust flavor, while ground ginger provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the pineapple beautifully. You can use fresh grated ginger for an even more potent flavor if preferred.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Essential for that umami-rich, savory balance against the sweetness. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the dish more effectively. If you only have regular soy sauce, you might want to slightly reduce the amount or adjust other salty elements.
• Pineapple Juice: This is the star of the Hawaiian flavor profile! It provides a tangy sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken. For convenience, I often use the juice drained from a can of pineapple chunks, saving the chunks for garnish. Ensure you use 100% pineapple juice for the best, most authentic flavor.
• Cornstarch: A vital ingredient for achieving that perfectly thickened, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to each wing. Cornstarch helps create a luxurious glaze, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor.
• Optional Garnishes (Highly Recommended): Pineapple Chunks & Sliced Scallions (Green Onions): These aren’t just for looks! Pineapple chunks add a burst of fresh, juicy sweetness and a delightful textural contrast. Sliced scallions provide a vibrant green color and a fresh, mild oniony crunch that brightens the entire dish. Don’t skip these for the full Hawaiian experience!

How to Make Delicious Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Wings: Step-by-Step Guide

This section guides you through the simple process of making these incredible wings with clear, step-by-step instructions. Visual learners will appreciate the accompanying photos that illustrate each stage of the cooking process. For the complete, printable recipe card with all details, please scroll down to the end of this post.

1. Prepare the Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, and cornstarch. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Once mixed, set aside ¼ cup of this delicious sauce; this will be used later for basting the wings before broiling to achieve that perfect caramelization.
2. Add Wings to Your Slow Cooker: Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. Carefully place the dried wings into the slow cooker. Pour the majority of the prepared sauce (reserving the ¼ cup) evenly over the wings. Stir gently to ensure all the wings are thoroughly coated in the savory-sweet marinade.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. If you’re using fresh or thoroughly thawed chicken, cook on the LOW setting for 3–4 hours. If you’re starting with frozen chicken wings (which were not fully thawed), cook on the HIGH setting for 2.5–3 hours. The wings are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with an instant-read thermometer and are wonderfully tender.
4. Optional (But Highly Recommended) Broil: For that irresistible sticky, caramelized exterior, this step is key. Carefully use tongs to transfer the cooked wings from the slow cooker to a baking sheet lined with foil (for easy cleanup!). Brush the wings generously with the ¼ cup of reserved marinade. Broil for 3–4 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they become beautifully glossy, slightly browned, and caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as broiler temperatures can vary.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once broiled (or straight from the slow cooker if you skip broiling), arrange your Hawaiian chicken wings on a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with fresh sliced scallions and garnish with juicy pineapple chunks. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Storage and Reheating Made Simple

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy these delicious Hawaiian chicken wings for days to come, minimizing food waste and maximizing your meal prep efforts.

• Refrigerator Storage: Allow any leftover wings to cool completely to room temperature (within two hours of cooking). Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer Storage: For longer storage, cooked Hawaiian wings freeze beautifully. Place the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen wings to a large zipper-lock freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. You can also include any leftover marinade or sauce to keep them moist. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen wings overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• How to Reheat: These sweet and savory wings can be reheated in a few easy ways. For a gentle reheat, place them back in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting until heated through. Alternatively, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the sauce is bubbly again. For smaller portions, the microwave can be used, though it might not retain the crispy texture from broiling.

Delicious Additions and Creative Variations

While this Crockpot Hawaiian chicken wings recipe is fantastic as written, it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with these additions and variations to customize it to your taste:

• Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs: This sweet and savory pineapple marinade isn’t just for wings! It works exceptionally well with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The cooking time will be longer, approximately 4-6 hours on low or 2.5-3.5 hours on high. You can cube the breasts or thighs before cooking, or cook them whole and shred them after for serving. This makes a fantastic main course served over steamed rice.
• Amplify the Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, there are several ways to add a kick. Stir in a teaspoon or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking for a subtle warmth, or add a squirt of sriracha or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a bolder, spicier flavor.
• Fresh Pineapple Power: While canned pineapple juice and chunks are convenient, using fresh pineapple for garnish or even adding small cubes to the slow cooker can bring an even brighter, more vibrant tropical flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, you can omit the added pineapple chunks or use them sparingly.
• Introduce a Smoky Flavor: For an extra layer of complexity, try stirring in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce. Alternatively, a few drops of liquid smoke can impart a wonderfully deep, smoky essence that complements the sweet and savory notes beautifully.
• Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal cooked right in your slow cooker, consider adding some vegetables during the last hour of cooking. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), onion wedges, or even broccoli florets would absorb the delicious sauce and round out the dish.
• Garnish with Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving not only adds a lovely visual appeal but also a subtle nutty flavor and pleasant texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Hawaiian chicken wings:

• Can I use frozen chicken wings directly without thawing?
  Yes, you can use frozen wings directly, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Cook on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). However, for the best sauce absorption and most tender results, thawing them overnight in the refrigerator is recommended. Ensure they are fully separated before adding to the slow cooker to cook evenly.
• How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?
  If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can easily thicken it. Remove the wings from the slow cooker and transfer the sauce to a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Bring the sauce in the saucepan to a simmer, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
• Can I prepare these wings ahead of time?
  Absolutely! These wings are a great make-ahead option. You can mix the sauce and coat the wings in the slow cooker insert, then refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours) before cooking. Cooked leftovers also reheat well (see “Storage” section), making them perfect for meal prep.
• What should I serve with Hawaiian chicken wings?
  These versatile wings pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a traditional Hawaiian meal, serve them with steamed white or brown rice and a side of quick macaroni salad. Other great options include a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple coleslaw.
• My wings aren’t getting crispy, even after broiling. What went wrong?
  Several factors could affect crispiness. Ensure your wings are patted very dry before adding the sauce. When broiling, make sure your oven rack is close enough to the heating element (usually 6-8 inches) and that the broiler is fully preheated. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; leave space between wings for proper air circulation. Broiling for a minute or two longer, while carefully watching, can also help.

More Irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

If you loved the ease and flavor of these Crockpot Hawaiian chicken wings, you’re in for a treat! The slow cooker is a fantastic tool for creating tender, flavorful chicken dishes with minimal effort. Explore more of our favorite slow cooker chicken recipes that are perfect for any meal:

• Crockpot Orange Chicken: A homemade take on a Chinese takeout classic, packed with tangy citrus flavor.
• BWW Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic and parmesan, this pasta dish is pure comfort food.
• Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: A rich and creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce makes this dish so good, you might just want to marry it!
• Crockpot Chicken Thighs (Bone-In): Simple yet incredibly flavorful bone-in chicken thighs cooked to juicy perfection with a brown sugar garlic glaze.