Take your taste buds on a tropical escape with this flavorful Baked Huli Huli Chicken. Juicy, oven-baked chicken thighs are drenched in a sweet-and-savory Hawaiian-inspired glaze made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and fresh ginger. This easy baked chicken dish delivers bold island flavor without firing up the grill — perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings.
Advertisements
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
Category: Main Dish, Chicken
Why You’ll Love This Baked Huli Huli Chicken
-
No grill needed — baked to juicy perfection in the oven
-
Infused with bold Hawaiian BBQ flavor
-
Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy
-
Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
-
A tropical twist on classic baked chicken thigh recipes
What Is Huli Huli Chicken?
Originally developed in Hawaii in the 1950s, Huli Huli Chicken is known for its smoky, caramelized flavor and irresistible pineapple-soy glaze. Traditionally cooked on a rotisserie (“huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian), our oven-baked version captures all that flavor with none of the grill hassle.
Advertisements
Ingredients
-
3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – For juicy, flavorful results
-
1 cup pineapple juice – Adds tropical sweetness and natural tenderizing power
-
½ cup soy sauce – Deep umami base to balance the sweet
-
½ cup brown sugar, packed – For caramelized flavor and sticky texture
-
⅓ cup ketchup – Adds acidity and richness
-
¼ cup chicken broth – Enhances the savory depth
-
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger – Gives warm, zesty bite
-
2 garlic cloves, minced – Classic aromatic base
-
2 teaspoons sesame oil – Nutty aroma and authentic finish
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water – Thickens the glaze
-
Optional garnishes: Pineapple slices, chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a large baking dish, leaving space between pieces.
Step 2: Make the Hawaiian Glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:
Advertisements
-
Pineapple juice
-
Soy sauce
-
Brown sugar
-
Ketchup
-
Chicken broth
-
Grated ginger
-
Garlic
-
Sesame oil
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the simmering sauce and continue cooking until thickened — it should coat the back of a spoon.
Advertisements
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and the sauce is bubbling and caramelized.
Pro tip: Baste the chicken with the pan sauce halfway through baking for deeper flavor and glossy finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh pineapple slices, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for a stunning presentation.
What to Serve with Huli Huli Chicken
Pair your Hawaiian baked chicken with:
-
Coconut rice or jasmine rice
-
Grilled or roasted pineapple
-
Steamed green beans or broccoli
-
Hawaiian macaroni salad
-
Sweet potato wedges or roasted carrots
Tips for Success
-
Marinate option: For even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the cooled sauce for 2–4 hours before baking.
-
Don’t skip the basting! It helps the sauce cling to the chicken and boosts flavor.
-
Use thighs for best results, but this recipe also works with drumsticks or bone-in breasts (adjust cooking time accordingly).
-
Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
Make Ahead & Storage
-
To make ahead: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store in the fridge.
-
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer-friendly: Freeze cooked chicken in its sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs or breasts work well. Reduce baking time to 25–35 minutes.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat, turning and basting often, until cooked through.
What’s a good pineapple juice substitute?
You can use orange juice or apple juice in a pinch, but pineapple gives it that signature flavor.
Advertisements