Sizzling Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe: Island Magic Made Easy

Baked huli huli chicken represents a mouthwatering Hawaiian culinary treasure that revamps ordinary poultry into a flavor-packed sensation.

Marinated in a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory ingredients, this dish brings tropical warmth to your dining table.

Robust marinades infuse each tender piece with layers of complexity that dance across your palate.

Traditional cooking methods merge with contemporary baking techniques to create a healthier yet equally delicious version of the classic recipe.

Vibrant ingredients work together, promising a meal that transports you to sunny island landscapes with every single bite.

Tropical spices and carefully balanced sauces ensure a memorable dining experience that goes beyond simple meal preparation.

Crisp exteriors and succulent interiors make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and casual dinners.

Baked Huli Huli Chicken with Tangy Glaze

• Savor Sweet-Savory Hawaiian Fusion: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of tropical pineapple and rich soy sauce that creates an irresistible flavor profile perfectly balancing sweet, tangy, and umami notes.
• Enjoy Effortless Oven-Baked Convenience: Transform complex restaurant-style flavors into a simple one-dish meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste with just occasional basting and straightforward cooking technique.
• Experience Succulent Caramelized Texture: Watch the sauce beautifully transform during baking, creating a glossy, sticky coating that locks in chicken moisture while developing deep, rich caramelized edges that add incredible depth to every bite.
• Celebrate Family-Friendly Global Comfort: Craft a crowd-pleasing dish that introduces exciting Hawaiian-inspired cuisine without complicated ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Baked Huli Huli Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on cuts provide rich flavor and juicy meat for the main dish.

• Pineapple Juice, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Chicken Broth: Combination creates a sweet, tangy Hawaiian-style sauce with deep umami and caramelization.

• Ginger, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that add warmth and depth to the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty undertone and authentic Asian flavor profile.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth glaze and helps sauce cling to chicken.

• Fresh Pineapple Slices, Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Light, fresh toppings that add color, texture, and traditional Hawaiian presentation.

How to Bake Huli Huli Chicken

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Warm your oven to 375°F. Grab a large baking dish and arrange chicken thighs in a single layer.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Chicken broth
• Fresh ginger
• Minced garlic
• Sesame oil

Heat over medium temperature and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Thicken Sauce

Let the sauce bubble softly for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix cornstarch with water in a separate small bowl, then whisk into the sauce until it reaches a smooth, glossy consistency.

Step 4: Coat and Bake Chicken

Pour the entire sauce over chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is generously covered. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Bake for 45-60 minutes. Halfway through cooking, pull out the dish and baste chicken with sauce. Chicken is ready when internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let chicken rest for a few minutes. Top with fresh pineapple slices, chopped green onions, and sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Tips for Juicy Huli Huli Chicken

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Soak chicken thighs in the sauce for 2-4 hours before baking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch mixture gradually to prevent over-thickening or creating a gluey texture.
• Prevent Burning: Cover with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking if sauce starts to darken too quickly.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
• Broil for Caramelization: Briefly broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a gorgeous golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.

Storing and Reheating Huli Huli Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat: Warm chicken in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore sauce's original flavor.

Side Pairings for Huli Huli Chicken

• Elevate with Tropical Rice Pairing: Serve the huli huli chicken alongside coconut jasmine rice to complement the sweet and tangy sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile that echoes the Hawaiian-inspired dish.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or gewürztraminer to balance the chicken's rich, caramelized sauce and cut through its sweetness with a refreshing acidity.
• Create a Bright Side Salad: Prepare a light mango and cucumber salad with a lime vinaigrette to add freshness and provide a cool contrast to the warm, saucy chicken, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Pour a Tropical Mocktail: Mix a pineapple-ginger spritzer using fresh pineapple juice, sparkling water, and a hint of ginger to mirror the chicken's flavor notes and offer a non-alcoholic beverage option that ties the meal together.

Variations on Huli Huli Chicken

• Hawaiian Slow Cooker Style: Transform the baked version by placing chicken thighs and sauce in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until tender, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Grilled Tropical Version: Marinate chicken in sauce for 2 hours, then grill over medium-high heat. Brush additional sauce while cooking for caramelized edges and smoky flavor.
• Spicy Island Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery Hawaiian-inspired dish. Balance heat with extra brown sugar to maintain sweet-spicy profile.
• Vegetarian Pineapple Tofu Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes, pressing out moisture before marinating. Bake or grill using same sauce recipe for a plant-based protein option.

Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian huli huli chicken brings island flavors straight to your kitchen with its sweet and tangy marinade. Juicy chicken pieces caramelize beautifully when baked, delivering a tropical feast you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) sesame oil

Thickening and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
• Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
• Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F (190°C), preparing a large baking dish for the chicken thighs.
2. Create a robust marinade by combining pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Allow the sauce to gently simmer and develop depth of flavor, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and ensure smooth consistency.
4. Thicken the sauce by whisking a cornstarch and water mixture directly into the simmering liquid, continuing to stir until the sauce reaches a glossy, slightly viscous texture.
5. Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer within the baking dish, then generously coat each piece with the prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 50-55 minutes, periodically basting the chicken to enhance caramelization and moisture.
7. Verify the chicken’s doneness by confirming an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which guarantees safe consumption and tender meat.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to intensify.
9. Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added visual appeal and complementary textures.

Notes

• Prep ingredients ahead to streamline cooking process and reduce last-minute stress.
• Thighs work best for this recipe due to their rich flavor and ability to stay juicy during baking.
• Using fresh pineapple juice elevates the sauce’s depth compared to canned alternatives, creating a more vibrant tropical taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg