Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian dish known for its mouthwatering combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Traditionally grilled over an open flame, this baked version offers the same rich taste with a convenient, hassle-free approach. Marinated in a flavorful pineapple-soy sauce glaze, this Baked Huli Huli Chicken is tender, juicy, and perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish.
Step 2: In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a low boil over medium heat.
Step 3: Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce until thickened.
Step 5: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Step 6: Bake for 45-60 minutes, basting halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce caramelizes.
Step 7: Let the chicken rest before serving and garnish with pineapple slices, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Best Baked Huli Huli Chicken

• Marinate the chicken for a few hours before baking for an even richer flavor.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum juiciness.
• Baste the chicken halfway through cooking to enhance the caramelization.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Baked Huli Huli Chicken over steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Pair with grilled or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
• Add a side of Hawaiian macaroni salad or coconut rice to complement the tropical flavors.
• Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, sesame seeds, and green onions for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to retain moisture or in the microwave in short intervals.

Proper storage and reheating ensure the flavors stay fresh, making it easy to enjoy Baked Huli Huli Chicken even on busy days.

Variations

1. Grilled Huli Huli Chicken – Instead of baking, grill the chicken over medium heat, basting with the sauce every few minutes until cooked through and slightly charred.

2. Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken – Place the chicken and sauce in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The result is ultra-tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.

3. Spicy Huli Huli Chicken – Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick.

4. Pineapple Huli Huli Chicken – Add pineapple chunks to the baking dish or grill fresh pineapple slices alongside the chicken for extra sweetness.

5. Huli Huli Chicken Drumsticks – Use drumsticks instead of thighs for a fun, easy-to-eat alternative. Adjust the baking time as needed.

6. Honey Garlic Huli Huli Chicken – Replace half of the brown sugar with honey and add an extra garlic clove for a deeper, caramelized glaze.

7. Gluten-Free Huli Huli Chicken – Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

8. Huli Huli Chicken Wings – Use chicken wings for a great appetizer or game-day snack. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.

9. Vegetarian Huli Huli Tofu – Replace the chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower. Bake or pan-fry until golden, then toss with the sauce.

10. Huli Huli Chicken Skewers – Cut boneless chicken into cubes, marinate, and thread onto skewers with bell peppers and onions before baking or grilling.

Each variation brings a unique twist to this Hawaiian classic, making it easy to customize for any taste preference.

FAQs

1. What does “Huli Huli” mean?
“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian. The dish was originally cooked on a rotisserie, constantly turned over an open flame.

2. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken instead?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes to prevent drying out.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. If short on time, even 30 minutes will add flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also bake it in advance and reheat before serving.

5. What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?
Serve it with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, Hawaiian macaroni salad, or coconut rice for a complete meal.

6. Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water and simmer until the sauce thickens.

8. Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Absolutely! Store the raw chicken in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

9. How do I prevent the sauce from burning in the oven?
Bake the chicken in the middle rack and baste it halfway through cooking to keep the sauce from burning. If needed, loosely cover with foil.

10. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple juice works perfectly. If using canned pineapple slices, drain them well before using as garnish.

These FAQs help ensure your Baked Huli Huli Chicken turns out flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked every time.

Baked Huli Huli Chicken brings the essence of Hawaiian cuisine right to your kitchen. The balance of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both comforting and exotic. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and experience the delicious flavors of the islands.

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