Baked Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush a generous amount of the pineapple glaze over each chicken thigh, ensuring they are well coated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
