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
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.