---
title: Huli Huli Chicken Recipe - Baked Hawaiian Flavor Delight
url: https://optimalrecipes.com/huli-huli-chicken-recipe-baked-hawaiian-flavor-delight/
author: Maria Jannet
published: 2024-10-26
updated: 2024-10-26
image: https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Huli-Huli-Chicken-Recipe.webp
categories: ["Dinner Ideas"]
site: Optimal Recipes
---

# Huli Huli Chicken Recipe - Baked Hawaiian Flavor Delight

> 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...

![Huli Huli Chicken Recipe - Baked Hawaiian Flavor Delight](https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Huli-Huli-Chicken-Recipe.webp)

## Article

**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](https://optimalrecipes.com):

- 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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![](https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Huli-Huli-Chicken-Recipe-150x150.webp)

 
 

## Huli Huli Chicken Recipe – Baked Hawaiian Flavor Delight

	
 
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### 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

 
 
 
 Scale
 1x2x3x 
 
 
 
 

### 

#### 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.

 
	
	
	
 
	
 
 

### Notes

 
 

### 

- 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.

 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 

### Did you make this recipe?

 Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 
 
	

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---

**Source**: [Huli Huli Chicken Recipe - Baked Hawaiian Flavor Delight](https://optimalrecipes.com/huli-huli-chicken-recipe-baked-hawaiian-flavor-delight/)
**Site**: Optimal Recipes - https://optimalrecipes.com/
**Author**: Maria Jannet

*If you cite this recipe, please link to: https://optimalrecipes.com/huli-huli-chicken-recipe-baked-hawaiian-flavor-delight/*
