Aloha, dear food lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a dish that whisks you away to a tropical paradise with each bite, then this Baked Huli Huli Chicken recipe is your perfect ticket. Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian classic that combines the tangy-sweet flavors of pineapple and ginger with a savory twist, offering a luscious taste of island cuisine in every bite. Ready to bring this delicious tropical fare into your kitchen? Let’s dive into the world of Huli Huli Chicken and discover why it’s a must-try recipe!
🌴 Introduction to Baked Huli Huli Chicken
Originating in Hawaii during the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, Huli Huli Chicken quickly became a beloved favorite across the islands. Traditionally, this dish was cooked on a rotisserie and basted repeatedly, allowing the word “huli”, meaning “turn” in Hawaiian, to take on a special significance. While the original version involves a rotisserie setup, this baked adaptation brings all those rich, tangy, and smoky flavors into your home oven, making it easy and accessible without compromising on flavor. This recipe is perfect for adding a splash of island magic to your dinner table and is especially great for tropical-themed gatherings.
🍍 Ingredients for Baked Huli Huli Chicken
Essential Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of 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
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Soy Sauce: For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey for a natural sweetness.
- Pineapple Juice: Mango juice works well if pineapple is unavailable.
🔪 How to Make Baked Huli Huli Chicken – Step by Step
Step1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish, ensuring they have space to cook evenly.
Step2: Make the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
- Heat over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing flavors to meld.
Step3: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the saucepan while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step4: Coat the Chicken
- Pour the thickened sauce over the arranged chicken thighs in the baking dish, ensuring they are well-coated.
Step5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Halfway through, baste the chicken with the sauce for extra caramelization and flavor.
Step6: Serve and Garnish
- Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), remove it from the oven.
- Garnish with pineapple slices, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds for a visually delightful finish.
Cooking Tip: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices and flavor.
🍲 Helpful Tips for Baked Huli Huli Chicken
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an enhanced flavor experience, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Fresh Pineapple for Garnish: Grilled fresh pineapple slices can add a beautiful contrast in taste and texture.
🔥 Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Huli Huli Chicken
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: This helps to retain moisture, giving a juicy, flavorful result.
- High Heat Basting: For a slightly smoky and caramelized finish, broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Baste Generously: Basting halfway through cooking helps deepen the caramelization, providing a richer taste.
🍛 Serving Suggestions for Baked Huli Huli Chicken
Serve this delightful Baked Huli Huli Chicken with:
- Jasmine Rice: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Macaroni Salad: A classic Hawaiian side dish that brings creaminess to the meal.
- Grilled Pineapple Rings: The sweet, smoky pineapple pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
Beverage Tip: A refreshing tropical drink, like a pineapple coconut mocktail, complements the dish beautifully!
🍽 Nutritional Information
Baked Huli Huli Chicken provides a rich source of protein while offering a tropical, low-fat flavor profile:
- Calories: Approximately 340 per serving
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
Enjoy this healthy, flavorful twist on a classic Hawaiian recipe and its abundance of lean protein and rich flavors without excessive fat.
🥡 Storage and Leftovers for Baked Huli Huli Chicken
- Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Store portions in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy caramelized sauce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Baked Huli Huli Chicken
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken will cook faster.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
3. What sides go well with Huli Huli Chicken?
Rice, macaroni salad, and grilled veggies make excellent companions to this dish.
4. Can I cook this recipe on the grill?
Yes! Grill the chicken over medium heat, basting frequently with the sauce for a more authentic taste.
🍲 2 Related Recipes for Huli Huli Chicken Lovers
For more tropical-inspired dishes, explore these recipes from Optimal Recipes:
- Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Muffins:
A delightful side with a tropical twist.
- Hawaiian Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Glaze:
Another island classic with a luscious glaze.
🏝️ Conclusion
Thank you for joining us on this culinary journey to the islands! Baked Huli Huli Chicken brings a rich, tangy taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your feedback and any creative twists you add to the recipe. Mahalo, and happy cooking! 🌺
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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe – Baked Hawaiian Flavor Delight
Description
Aloha, dear food lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a dish that whisks you away to a tropical paradise with each bite, then this Baked Huli Huli Chicken recipe is your perfect ticket. Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian classic that combines the tangy-sweet flavors of pineapple and ginger with a savory twist, offering a luscious taste of island cuisine in every bite. Ready to bring this delicious tropical fare into your kitchen? Let’s dive into the world of Huli Huli Chicken and discover why it’s a must-try recipe!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of 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
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Soy Sauce: For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey for a natural sweetness.
- Pineapple Juice: Mango juice works well if pineapple is unavailable.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish, ensuring they have space to cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
- Heat over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the saucepan while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Pour the thickened sauce over the arranged chicken thighs in the baking dish, ensuring they are well-coated.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Halfway through, baste the chicken with the sauce for extra caramelization and flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), remove it from the oven.
- Garnish with pineapple slices, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds for a visually delightful finish.
Cooking Tip: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices and flavor.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an enhanced flavor experience, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Fresh Pineapple for Garnish: Grilled fresh pineapple slices can add a beautiful contrast in taste and texture.
