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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F (190°C), preparing a large baking dish for the chicken thighs.
- 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.
- Allow the sauce to gently simmer and develop depth of flavor, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and ensure smooth consistency.
- 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.
- Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer within the baking dish, then generously coat each piece with the prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 50-55 minutes, periodically basting the chicken to enhance caramelization and moisture.
- Verify the chicken’s doneness by confirming an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which guarantees safe consumption and tender meat.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to intensify.
- 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