Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Tender and flavorful, Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken is a sweet and savory dish infused with tropical pineapple flavors. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is easy to make and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tropical Flavors: The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger delivers a deliciously unique taste.
  • Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Caramelized Perfection: Baking the chicken in the sauce results in a rich, sticky glaze that’s irresistible.
  • Versatile Dish: Pair it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 3 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Fresh pineapple slices (optional, for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish.
  2. Make the Sauce:
    In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a low boil over medium heat.
  3. Thicken the Sauce:
    Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Whisk this mixture into the sauce and continue whisking until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Coat the Chicken:
    Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  5. Bake the Chicken:
    Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting the chicken with the sauce halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and Serve:
    Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45–60 minutes
  • Total Time: 60–75 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Variations

  • Grilled Version: Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 2 hours, then grill it over medium heat, basting frequently.
  • Boneless Option: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter version. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy twist.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Use the sauce as a glaze for tofu or roasted vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, canned pineapple juice works perfectly for this recipe.

2. What can I substitute for chicken thighs?

Chicken drumsticks, wings, or breasts can be used. Adjust cooking times as needed.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Bake it when ready to serve.

4. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps retain moisture. Basting with sauce during cooking also keeps the chicken juicy.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.

6. Can I freeze Huli Huli Chicken?

Yes, freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

7. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Add bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.

8. What side dishes go well with Huli Huli Chicken?

Steamed white rice, coconut rice, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.

9. Can I use powdered ginger instead of fresh?

Yes, use 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger as a substitute for fresh ginger.

10. What can I do with leftover sauce?

Use the sauce as a glaze for roasted vegetables, a topping for rice, or a dip for bread.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical-inspired dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare. With its sticky-sweet glaze and tender, juicy chicken, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the taste of the islands in the comfort of your own home!

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Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken

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  • Author: Asma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Total Time: 60-75 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Description

Tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory pineapple sauce, this Huli Huli Chicken brings tropical flavors to your table. Perfect for family dinners or a taste of the islands at home.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh pineapple slices
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange chicken thighs in a large baking dish in a single layer.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
  2. Heat over medium, bringing the mixture to a low boil.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

  1. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
  3. Whisk the slurry into the sauce and continue stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

  1. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring even coating.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  2. For extra flavor, baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, green onions, and sesame seeds.
  3. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Marinating Option: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 2-4 hours before baking.
  • Grill Alternative: This recipe works well on the grill. Grill chicken over medium heat, basting frequently with sauce.
  • Side Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice or a fresh tropical salad.

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