Description
This Baked Huli Huli Chicken is a sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken thighs baked with a sticky, caramelized pineapple-soy glaze. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates vibrant tropical flavors that are simple to make and perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 pounds of chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
Huli Huli Sauce
- 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
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh pineapple slices
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens further.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the thickened sauce over the arranged chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor coverage.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce caramelizes beautifully. Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through baking for extra glaze.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled vegetables, or can be used as a flavorful filling for tacos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
