Hawaiian Baked Huli Huli Chicken

by

Embrace the tropical flavors of the islands with Baked Huli Huli Chicken—a beautifully balanced dish with sweet pineapple, tangy ketchup, rich soy sauce, and warm ginger and garlic. Originally grilled over kiawe wood (“huli” means “turn-turn” in Hawaiian), this baked version delivers the same bold taste with easy cleanup—perfect for weeknight dinners or aloha-themed gatherings.

🌺 Why You’ll Love It

  • Flavor fusion: Sweet, savory, tangy, and slightly smoky.

  • Tender & juicy: Marinade with pineapple juice gently tenderizes the chicken.

  • No grill needed: Oven-baked method still achieves caramelization.

🛒 Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade:

  • 2–3 lb chicken thighs (bone‑in, skin‑on preferred)

  • 1 cup pineapple juice (canned to avoid over‑tenderization)

  • ½ cup soy sauce

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ⅓ cup ketchup

  • 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 Tbsp apple cider or rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

  • Pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha for heat (optional)

🔪 Directions

  1. Make the Sauce
    Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer ~10 min until slightly thickened. Reserve ½ cup for basting.

  2. Marinate the Chicken
    Place chicken and remaining sauce in a large zip‑top bag or bowl. Marinate at least 2 hr, ideally overnight.

  3. Bake
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190 °C). Arrange chicken on a rack over a foil‑lined baking pan. Bake 15 min, brush with saved sauce, bake 10–15 min more. Finish with a quick broil to caramelize, or bake 15 more min and broil 2–3 min.

  4. Garnish & Serve
    Let rest 5 min, garnish with green onions and optional pineapple slices or sesame seeds.

🌴 Variations & Tips

  • Grilling Option: Instead of baking, grill for ~15 min, turning and basting frequently.

  • Cut into Skewers: Grill cubed chicken for kabob-style ease and great char.

  • Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the marinade for a kick.

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the night before and bake the next day for flavorful convenience.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Classic: Steamed jasmine or sticky rice.

  • Island Sides: Macaroni salad, grilled pineapple rings, coconut rice, coleslaw.

  • Fresh Touch: Pineapple salsa or grilled veg on the side packs a refreshing contrast.

📚 Origin & History

Huli Huli Chicken was created by Ernest Morgado in 1955 and started as a fundraiser staple in Hawaii—frequent basting and rotating earned its name (“turn-turn”) and iconic grill marks. Today, it’s synonymous with Hawaiian BBQ and has even been adapted to baked and grilled versions for home cooks worldwide.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Baked Huli Huli Chicken is an easy yet exotic dish that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine—vibrant, bold, and crowd-pleasing. With a little prep ahead, it transforms dinner into a tropical treat. Give it a try for a taste of aloha in your own kitchen!

Leave a Comment