Description
Baked Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. This easy oven-baked recipe offers the authentic taste of traditional Huli Huli chicken without the need for a grill, making it perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (about 1.5 lbs total)
Marinade
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil until fully combined, creating a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for the best infusion of flavors.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare chicken for baking: Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange the thighs skin-side up in the baking dish. Pour half of the reserved marinade over the chicken for added moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it juicy, then continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Optional broiling: For a delicious caramelized finish, broil the chicken for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving to add a fresh and vibrant touch.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor but avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too tender.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content in the dish.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- The optional broiling step adds a smoky caramelization reminiscent of traditional Huli Huli chicken cooked over charcoal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Baked Chicken Thighs, Hawaiian Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Oven Baked Huli Huli, Pineapple Chicken Recipe
