Aloha, fellow food lovers! ???? Get ready to experience the warm, tropical flavors of Hawaii right from your kitchen with this mouthwatering Island-Style Baked Huli Huli Chicken. This recipe is bursting with sweet and savory flavors that will transport you to the islands. If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious way to impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into this delightful dish that is sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.
Introduction
Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian dish that brings together the irresistible combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. Traditionally cooked on a rotisserie (hence the name “huli,” meaning “turn” in Hawaiian), this recipe is a baked version that’s easy to make at home but still packed with the authentic island flavors. Whether you’ve visited Hawaii or just dream of it, this recipe will evoke memories of warm sandy beaches and the sweet breeze of the Pacific Ocean.
A fun fact: Huli Huli Chicken was first created in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, who made it for a gathering of farmers. It quickly became a hit and is now a beloved Hawaiian staple!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Island-Style Baked Huli Huli Chicken, you’ll need the following 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
- Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Feel free to substitute the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut, but be aware that it might alter the cooking time slightly. You can also opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities.
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How to Make Island-Style Baked Huli Huli Chicken
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Huli Huli Chicken at home:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish.
- Prepare the Huli Huli sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Simmer the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Coat the chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce should be bubbling and caramelized.
- Baste for extra flavor: Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
- Rest before serving: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy this flavorful dish with your loved ones!
Helpful Tips
- Choose the right cut of chicken: For the most tender and juicy results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They retain moisture better during the cooking process.
- Marinate for extra flavor: If you have the time, marinate the chicken in the Huli Huli sauce for a few hours or overnight to really let the flavors soak in.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer your chicken less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
Cooking Tips
To enhance your Island-Style Baked Huli Huli Chicken, try these additional tips:
- Grill for a smoky flavor: While this recipe calls for baking, you can also grill the chicken to get that traditional smoky flavor. Just be sure to keep basting with the sauce to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the easiest way to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with style: Use a cast iron skillet or a deep serving dish to keep the sauce in place, which adds to both the presentation and the flavor of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Huli Huli Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The mild flavor of jasmine rice complements the sweet and savory notes of the chicken perfectly.
- Grilled Pineapple Rings: Enhance the tropical flavors by grilling fresh pineapple rings on the side.
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad adds a cool contrast to the rich and tangy chicken.
- Mai Tais or Pineapple Punch: For a true island feast, serve with a refreshing tropical drink.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief overview of the nutritional information for this delicious recipe:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 500 IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 2mg
This dish is high in protein and packed with vitamins A and C, thanks to the pineapple and chicken. While it is on the higher side in sodium, you can adjust the soy sauce or opt for low-sodium options to reduce the salt content.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before refrigerating.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, though the oven will help retain the crispy skin.
For a creative leftover idea, shred the chicken and use it in Huli Huli Chicken Tacos or over a salad with a tangy pineapple vinaigrette!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be mindful of the cooking time as they tend to cook faster and may dry out if overbaked.
- Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and the chicken can be marinated overnight for more intense flavor.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and devouring this tasty Island-Style Baked Huli Huli Chicken as much as I do. It’s a fantastic recipe that brings a little piece of Hawaii into your home with its bold flavors and simple preparation. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience in the comments below or let me know if you have any fun variations! Mahalo and happy cooking! ????
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Island-Style Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Description
Aloha, fellow food lovers! ???? Get ready to experience the warm, tropical flavors of Hawaii right from your kitchen with this mouthwatering Island-Style Baked Huli Huli Chicken. This recipe is bursting with sweet and savory flavors that will transport you to the islands. If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious way to impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into this delightful dish that is sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.
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
- Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish.
- Prepare the Huli Huli sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Simmer the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Coat the chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce should be bubbling and caramelized.
- Baste for extra flavor: Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
- Rest before serving: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
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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- Choose the right cut of chicken: For the most tender and juicy results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They retain moisture better during the cooking process.
- Marinate for extra flavor: If you have the time, marinate the chicken in the Huli Huli sauce for a few hours or overnight to really let the flavors soak in.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer your chicken less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
