Baked Huli Huli Chicken

If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, then you’re in for a real treat with this Baked Huli Huli Chicken! This dish will transport you straight to the Hawaiian islands with its tangy pineapple glaze and tender, juicy chicken. The best part? You don’t need a grill to get that amazing flavor! The oven does all the magic here, making this a simple yet absolutely delicious meal to enjoy on a weeknight or at a special gathering. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

Why You’ll Love Baked Huli Huli Chicken

I’m telling you, this chicken is going to become your new go-to! Here’s why:

Versatile:

It’s great for a laid-back dinner with the family or a fun dinner party with friends. The tropical, flavorful glaze is sure to be a conversation starter, and everyone will be asking for seconds.

Budget-Friendly:

With just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe is super easy on the wallet. You get a dish that tastes fancy without the fancy price tag.

Quick and Easy:

Once you’ve mixed up the sauce and prepped the chicken, it’s all about popping it in the oven. No need to babysit this dish—you can relax and let it bake to perfection while you prepare your sides.

Customizable:

Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce. Add a little extra honey for more sweetness or a touch of sriracha if you want to kick up the heat.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Everyone loves this chicken! Whether you’re serving it to kids or adults, it’s bound to be a hit. The glaze is sweet and savory, and the chicken stays moist and tender.

Ingredients

Now let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish so amazing:

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. They’re juicy and flavorful, holding up beautifully to the glaze.

Soy Sauce: The salty base of our marinade that gives the chicken an irresistible umami flavor.

Honey: For sweetness that balances out the savory elements of the soy sauce and adds a gorgeous gloss to the chicken as it bakes.

Pineapple Juice: This is where the magic happens. It adds tropical sweetness and a tangy brightness to the marinade.

Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick that really brings out the flavor in the sauce.

Garlic: You can’t go wrong with garlic! It adds depth and richness to the marinade.

Rice Vinegar: A little splash of this gives the marinade just the right amount of tanginess.

Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil adds a hint of nuttiness and complexity to the glaze.

Green Onions: For garnish—these add a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into this deliciousness:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden, crispy skin.

Make the Marinade:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This is the key to that flavorful, sticky glaze we all love. Make sure it’s well combined!

Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours if you want a deeper flavor.

Bake the Chicken:

Take the chicken out of the marinade (reserve the leftover marinade for later). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.

Glaze the Chicken:

While the chicken is baking, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens and becomes a syrupy consistency. Once the chicken is done, brush this reduced glaze over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve and Garnish:

Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a few sesame seeds for a pop of texture and color.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 33g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30-120 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours

How to Serve Baked Huli Huli Chicken

The best part about this chicken is how it pairs with pretty much anything. Here are some ideas to make your meal even better:

Coconut Rice:

Coconut rice is a natural pairing for this dish, as the creamy coconut flavor complements the sweet and tangy chicken beautifully.

Grilled Vegetables:

Grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are perfect alongside this chicken. Their charred, smoky flavor adds great contrast to the sweetness of the chicken.

Pineapple Salsa:

Why not add a little extra pineapple love? A fresh pineapple salsa with cilantro, lime, and a pinch of chili powder will take this meal to the next level.

Fresh Green Salad:

Serve with a light, refreshing salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the chicken.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense flavor. You can also make the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it.
• Spice It Up: Want a little more heat? Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the skin’s crispy texture.
• Double the Batch: If you’ve got a crowd to feed, just double the recipe! The leftovers (if there are any) make for amazing lunch the next day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, but I recommend boneless, skinless for quicker cooking. Just keep an eye on the time since breasts cook faster than thighs.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before for maximum flavor, and store the marinade separately until you’re ready to bake.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the skin crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this chicken?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will keep the skin crispy and the chicken juicy.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure to spread the chicken out in a larger baking dish or use two sheets.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for [specific diet]?
A7: This recipe is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using a non-dairy alternative for the glaze if necessary.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Coconut rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or grilled vegetables pair wonderfully with this Huli Huli chicken.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: You can make it healthier by using a low-sodium soy sauce and reducing the amount of honey in the glaze.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil works best to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to clean up.

Conclusion

This Baked Huli Huli Chicken is a tropical dream come true. The glaze is sweet, savory, and packed with flavor that soaks into the chicken, creating juicy perfection in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Simple to prepare, easy to love, and absolutely delicious—what more could you ask for? Enjoy the flavors of Hawaii, right from your kitchen!

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