Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Tropical Flavors: The marinade blends pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory notes that transport your taste buds to the islands.
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Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
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Versatility: While traditionally made with chicken thighs, you can substitute with chicken breasts or drumsticks based on your preference.
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One-Pan Convenience: Baking the chicken in a single dish makes for easy cleanup, allowing you to enjoy the meal without a pile of dishes afterward.
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pineapple rings, drained
- Green onions, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish.
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Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ground ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch.
- Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for later use.
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Combine and Bake:
- Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Add Pineapple and Broil:
- Place pineapple rings on top of the chicken.
- Brush the reserved sauce over the pineapple and chicken.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the chicken is golden and caramelized.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice or with your preferred side dishes.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy version.
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Grilled Version: Instead of baking, grill the marinated chicken over medium heat, basting with the sauce, until cooked through and slightly charred.
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Different Cuts: Feel free to use bone-in, skin-on thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave until warmed through. To maintain moisture, you can add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating.
FAQs
What is Huli Huli Chicken?
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian dish traditionally made by grilling chicken over mesquite wood and basting it with a sweet and savory sauce. The term “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the turning of the chicken during cooking.
Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned?
It’s recommended to use canned pineapple juice, as fresh pineapple juice contains enzymes that can overly tenderize the chicken, potentially making it mushy.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight, but no more than 48 hours.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time. When ready to serve, bake and broil as directed. Leftovers can be stored and reheated as mentioned above.
What sides pair well with Huli Huli Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a more tropical flair, consider serving it with coconut rice or a pineapple salsa.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Print
Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory pineapple-soy glaze. This easy, oven-baked recipe delivers tropical flavors with minimal prep, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pineapple rings, drained
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken by arranging the chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ground ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch.
- Heat over medium heat until thickened.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for later use.
- Combine and Bake:
- Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken thighs, coating them well.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add Pineapple and Broil:
- Place pineapple rings on top of the chicken.
- Brush with the reserved sauce.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until caramelized.
- Serve garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy with rice or your favorite side dishes!
Notes
- For a Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Grill Instead: Marinate and grill over medium heat, basting with the sauce.
- Different Cuts: Use drumsticks, chicken breasts, or bone-in thighs, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Asian-Inspired
