Embark on a culinary journey to the tropics with this Hawaiian-Inspired Baked Huli Huli Chicken. The origins of Huli Huli Chicken trace back to the 1950s when Ernest Morgado of Hawaii introduced this delightful dish. The name “Huli Huli” translates to “turn, turn” in Hawaiian, a nod to the traditional rotisserie method of cooking this chicken. While this recipe opts for a convenient baked approach, it retains all the vibrant flavors that have made Huli Huli Chicken a beloved staple of Hawaiian cuisine. This dish is perfect for bringing a taste of the islands to your dinner table, whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed gathering or simply wanting to add a touch of the exotic to your weekday meals. The chicken is marinated and baked in a luscious sauce that combines the sweetness of pineapple juice with the savory notes of soy sauce, the warmth of ginger, and the richness of brown sugar. The result is a tender, flavorful chicken that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, ensuring a meal that’s both satisfying and evocative of Hawaiian hospitality.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Fresh pineapple slices (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it slightly thickens. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then whisk this slurry into the sauce. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated with the mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce becomes caramelized and bubbly. For enhanced flavor, baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through the baking time.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutritional Information & Dietary Concerns:
This Baked Huli Huli Chicken is not only rich in flavor but also provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The chicken thighs offer protein and essential nutrients, while the sauce, with its blend of pineapple juice and soy sauce, adds a sweet and tangy profile that’s both satisfying and reminiscent of tropical flavors. However, due to the use of soy sauce and brown sugar, this dish contains higher sodium and sugar levels, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially for those watching their salt and sugar intake. Opting for boneless, skinless chicken breasts can reduce the fat content if desired, making this dish adaptable to various dietary needs.
Servings: This recipe serves 4, making it an excellent option for a small family meal or an intimate dinner gathering.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
We hope you enjoyed making and tasting this Hawaiian-inspired dish! If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment with your feedback, any modifications you made, or how you served it. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—because sharing good food is the best way to spread the aloha spirit!