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Flavorful Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

slow cooker Hawaiian chicken lettuce wraps - featured image

Sweet and tangy slow-cooked Hawaiian chicken served in crisp butter lettuce leaves, perfect for a light, flavorful meal or party bites.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • 1 head butter lettuce leaves, washed and separated
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha or chili flakes if using.
  2. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Scatter pineapple chunks on top.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is tender and easily shredded. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours, watching closely.
  4. Remove chicken and shred with two forks or shredding claws. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with juices and pineapple.
  5. Separate and rinse butter lettuce leaves, then pat dry and arrange on a serving platter.
  6. Spoon shredded chicken into each lettuce leaf and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
  7. Serve immediately while warm, optionally adding lime or extra sriracha on the side.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juiciness and tenderness. Do not overfill the slow cooker to ensure even cooking. Shred chicken while warm for best texture. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Leftover chicken tastes better after sitting overnight. Store chicken and lettuce separately to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Hawaiian chicken, lettuce wraps, party bites, easy recipe, chicken thighs, pineapple, sweet and tangy