Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Keto and Low-Carb Versions
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Conclusion

Looking for a tropical, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and bursting with savory-sweet goodness? Look no further than Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken! This easy, oven-baked version of the classic Hawaiian barbecue favorite will transport your taste buds to the islands with its juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar.

The term “Huli Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional method of cooking the chicken by turning it over the grill. But don’t worry if you’re not firing up the grill—this baked version offers the same delicious results in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this sweet and savory chicken dish!

Ingredients

For the Huli Huli Sauce:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh or from canned pineapple)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier alternative)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Huli Huli Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce comes to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set aside to cool. This will be your glaze for the chicken.

3. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet or in the baking dish.

4. Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want the chicken to be cooked through but still tender and juicy.

5. Glaze the Chicken

Once the chicken is almost done, brush a generous amount of the prepared Huli Huli sauce onto each chicken breast. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and become sticky.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is cooked and glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve your delicious Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh tropical salad for the perfect meal.

Cooking Notes

• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, making them a great option for this recipe. If you prefer thighs, follow the same instructions, but you may need to bake them for a little longer (about 30-35 minutes) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
• Grilling Option: If you have access to a grill, you can also cook the chicken on medium heat and turn it occasionally while basting with the Huli Huli sauce for a smokier flavor. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent the glaze from burning.
• Leftover Sauce: You may have some leftover Huli Huli sauce after glazing the chicken. You can use it as a dipping sauce for the chicken or drizzle it over rice or vegetables for added flavor.
• Pineapple Juice: For a fresh tropical twist, use fresh pineapple juice. If using canned juice, make sure it’s 100% pure juice with no added sugars.

Variations

• Spicy Huli Huli Chicken: Add extra heat to your chicken by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or stirring in a little sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Huli Huli Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into chunks and skewer it. Grill or bake the skewers with the Huli Huli glaze for bite-sized pieces of tropical goodness.
• Grilled Pineapple: Grill some fresh pineapple slices to serve alongside the chicken. The smoky sweetness of the grilled pineapple complements the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Simply press and slice the tofu, and bake it with the Huli Huli sauce for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this dish:

• Sauce: Swap the brown sugar for a low-carb sweetener like erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia. This will reduce the carb count without sacrificing sweetness.
• Sides: Skip the rice and pair the chicken with a low-carb vegetable like cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, or a mixed green salad.
• Chicken Thighs: As mentioned, chicken thighs are a better choice for a juicier, keto-friendly meal, as they are higher in fat and will keep you feeling satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken pieces can be used for this recipe. However, the cooking time will be longer, so adjust accordingly. Bone-in chicken usually takes about 35-40 minutes to cook through at 375°F (190°C), depending on the size of the pieces.

Can I Marinate the Chicken in the Sauce Overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the Huli Huli sauce overnight will allow the flavors to really infuse the meat. If marinating, be sure to reserve some of the sauce for glazing while baking, as it may be contaminated with raw chicken juices.

Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this recipe. Simply place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This will result in incredibly tender, fall-apart chicken with a delicious Huli Huli flavor.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Can I Freeze the Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without garnish) for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken brings the irresistible tropical flavors of Hawaii straight to your kitchen. With a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, weekend barbecue, or even a dinner party. Whether you’re serving it with a side of rice or a refreshing salad, this chicken is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the island-inspired goodness of Huli Huli chicken tonight!

Let me know if you’d like any changes or additions to this recipe!