Baked Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze Recipe

Introduction

Baked Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze is a flavorful Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, offering vibrant tropical flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 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 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
• Optional garnishes: pineapple slices, chopped green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large baking dish or roasting pan, skin side up.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Step 3: Pour half of the pineapple glaze over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
4. Step 4: Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with the glaze from the baking dish to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
5. Step 5: In the last 5 minutes of baking, transfer the chicken to a broiler-safe dish or switch the oven to broil. Broil for 3-5 minutes to crisp the skin, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: While the chicken bakes, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Pour the reserved glaze into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the slurry and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush with the thickened pineapple glaze. Garnish with optional pineapple slices, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking and baste frequently with the glaze.
• Substitute chicken thighs with boneless breast meat for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to the glaze for a tangier finish.
• Serve with steamed rice or grilled vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture. The pineapple glaze can be refrigerated separately and reheated slightly before brushing over reheated chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used. Adjust baking time to about 20-25 minutes to avoid drying out the meat.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the glaze and marinate the chicken in it for a few hours or overnight. Bake the chicken fresh to keep the skin crispy and the meat juicy.

Baked Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 78 reviews

This Baked Huli Huli Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, infused with ginger, garlic, and soy flavors. Baked to perfection, this Hawaiian-inspired dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of savory and tropical tastes.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Huli Huli Glaze

• 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 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp sesame oil

Thickening Slurry

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

Optional Garnishes

• Pineapple slices
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and blend flavors.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch and water together to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and arrange them skin-side up in a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
4. Apply the Glaze: Brush a generous amount of the pineapple glaze over each chicken thigh, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the skin is golden and slightly caramelized. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken again with more glaze to enhance flavor.
6. Broil for Crispiness: For extra crispy skin and a caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes on high at the end of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with pineapple slices, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs retain moisture and develop a richer flavor, but you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or pineapple juice in the glaze.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce saltiness.
• The glaze doubles as a delicious dipping sauce if you reserve some before coating the chicken.
• To keep the chicken moist, avoid overbaking by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Keywords: Huli Huli chicken, baked chicken thighs, pineapple glaze, Hawaiian chicken, sweet and savory chicken, oven baked chicken