Juicy Hawaiian-Style Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Sizzling and golden, this Hawaiian huli huli chicken recipe captures the essence of island flavors with its perfect blend of sweet and tangy notes.

Marinated in a luscious sauce that dances between pineapple and soy, the chicken emerges from the oven with a caramelized exterior that promises pure deliciousness.

Each bite tells a story of tropical traditions and culinary passion.

The marinade infuses deep, rich flavors that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Tender meat with a glossy glaze awaits you, promising a dining experience that transports you straight to the Hawaiian coastline.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners will never be the same once you savor this mouthwatering island-inspired dish.

Get ready to turn your kitchen into a slice of Hawaiian paradise.

Ingredients in Baked Huli Huli Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on variety ensures juicy, flavorful meat with crispy exterior during baking.

• Pineapple Juice, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet-tangy Hawaiian-inspired glaze that caramelizes beautifully and tenderizes the chicken.
• Ketchup: Adds depth and rich tomato undertones to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and provides subtle savory background flavor.

• Fresh Ginger, Garlic Cloves: Brings vibrant, zesty kick and authentic Hawaiian-style aromatics to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, complex undertone that elevates the overall flavor profile.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth, glossy sauce consistency that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Fresh Pineapple Slices, Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Optional toppings that add visual appeal, fresh crunch, and textural contrast.

Baked Huli Huli Chicken Tool List

• Large Baking Dish: Essential for arranging chicken thighs in a single layer and catching all the delicious sauce.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating and simmering the flavorful huli huli sauce.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce.
• Whisk: Great for blending cornstarch mixture and ensuring smooth sauce consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for any quick chopping of garnishes like green onions.
• Kitchen Tongs: Useful for basting chicken and handling pieces during cooking.
• Meat Thermometer: Important for checking chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.

How to Cook Baked Huli Huli Chicken

• Oven Warmup

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a flavor explosion.

• Sauce Creation

Blend tropical juices and savory ingredients in a saucepan, simmering until the mixture transforms into a glossy, rich coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Sauce Transformation

Gently thicken the sauce with a quick cornstarch whisper, stirring until it reaches a luxurious consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.

• Chicken Preparation

Nestle chicken pieces into a baking dish, allowing each piece to luxuriate in the vibrant Hawaiian-inspired sauce.

• Flavor Infusion

Slide the dish into the hot oven, letting magic happen as the sauce caramelizes and the chicken becomes tender and golden.

• Final Touch

After baking, let the chicken rest briefly, then scatter fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a burst of color and crunch.

Baked Huli Huli Chicken Tips & Variations

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Marinate chicken overnight in half the sauce for deeper Hawaiian-inspired taste profiles.
• Sauce Flexibility: Create a spicier version by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to enhance heat levels without overwhelming the original recipe.
• Grill Alternative: Instead of baking, barbecue chicken directly on grates for authentic smoky char marks, brushing sauce frequently during cooking.
• Budget-Friendly Swap: Replace chicken thighs with drumsticks or chicken breasts while maintaining similar cooking temperatures and sauce techniques.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken into delicious tacos, salad toppers, or quick sandwich fillings by shredding meat and adding extra sauce for moisture.

Serving Baked Huli Huli Chicken Beautifully

• Tropical Luau Plate Pairing: Serve alongside coconut rice and grilled pineapple wedges for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal that brings the islands right to your dinner table.
• Picnic Perfect Option: Pack cooled chicken in lunch containers with crisp coleslaw and macadamia nuts for a delightful outdoor dining experience that celebrates summer flavors.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a build-your-own plate station with chicken, steamed white rice, roasted vegetables, and extra sauce on the side, allowing everyone to customize their meal and enjoy interactive dining.
• Dinner Party Elegance: Plate the chicken over a bed of mixed greens, drizzle remaining sauce, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a sophisticated presentation that impresses guests with minimal extra effort.

Keeping Baked Huli Huli Chicken Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover huli huli chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and food safety.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm chicken in microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, preventing dryness. Add a tablespoon of extra sauce to keep meat juicy and restore original delicious moisture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste quality.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sauce and marinate chicken up to 24 hours before cooking. Store marinating chicken in sealed container in refrigerator. This method intensifies flavor and reduces day-of preparation time, perfect for busy home cooks seeking convenient meal solutions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 80 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Irresistible Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hawaiian huli huli chicken brings succulent island flavors to dinner tables with minimal prep work. Juicy marinated chicken thighs grill perfectly, delivering authentic Pacific taste that delights companions around the meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple juice
• ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) ketchup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water
• Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
• Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Craft a vibrant sauce by blending pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat, simmering gently to develop rich flavor profiles.
2. Sauce Refinement: Enhance the sauce’s consistency by whisking a cornstarch and water mixture into the bubbling liquid, stirring until it transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.
3. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a large baking dish to accommodate the chicken thighs in a single, elegant layer.
4. Chicken Coating: Meticulously drench each chicken thigh with the prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage that promises maximum flavor infusion and caramelization.
5. Roasting Process: Slide the dish into the preheated oven, roasting for 50-55 minutes and intermittently basting to promote a glistening, deeply bronzed exterior while maintaining succulent interior moisture.
6. Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken is perfectly cooked by checking an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing both safety and optimal tenderness.
7. Final Presentation: Rest the chicken momentarily, then adorn with fresh pineapple slices, delicate green onion ribbons, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to elevate the dish’s visual and textural complexity.

Notes

• Boost Marinade Flavor: Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich, complex taste profiles and prevent burning.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch mixture carefully to achieve glossy, thick sauce without lumps.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy meat.
• Enhance Presentation: Garnish with fresh pineapple, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for vibrant color and texture contrast.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg