Description
Hawaiian huli huli chicken delivers a sweet and tangy paradise of flavors straight from island kitchens. Marinade-infused grilled chicken pieces promise a delicious journey through traditional Hawaiian culinary delights you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
Liquid Base:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) sesame oil
Seasoning and Thickening Agents:
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) ketchup
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh pineapple slices
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and position a large baking dish to accommodate chicken thighs in a single, even layer.
- Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
- Allow the sauce to bubble softly for 10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and help ingredients meld together.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth, then incorporate into the simmering sauce to enhance thickness and glossiness.
- Thoroughly drench chicken thighs with the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is completely coated for maximum flavor absorption.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 45-50 minutes, occasionally basting with additional sauce to promote caramelization.
- Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), with sauce developing a rich, sticky glaze.
- Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
- Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for deeper flavor by letting it sit in the sauce for 2-4 hours before baking.
- Adjust sauce sweetness by balancing pineapple juice and brown sugar for personal taste preferences.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating.
- Swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder for gluten-free version, maintaining same thickening properties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 334 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg