Embark on a culinary journey to the Hawaiian Islands with this delicious Baked Huli Huli Chicken recipe. Huli Huli Chicken is a dish that perfectly captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. It is an island classic and popular for its sweet and spicy flavors. Originally made in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, “Huli” means “to turn” in Hawaiian, a nod to his traditional grilling style. This baked version adapts the original method for easy home preparation while preserving the dish’s iconic luau flavor.It’s an ideal option to spice up your dinner repertoire or add a tropical touch to your meetings.
Top this hearty dish with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the rich sauce, and add a fresh green salad for a crisp contrast. For an authentic Hawaiian experience, serve with creamy macaroni salad and a side of grilled pineapple to highlight the tropical theme.
Ingredients:
3 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
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 tablespoons grated fresh Ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Optional garnishes: fresh pineapple slices, sliced spring onions, sesame seeds
PREPARATION:
Preheat your oven to 190°C and place the chicken thighs in a baking dish place.
In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, ginger, garlic and sesame oil.Heat until it reaches a low boiling point.
Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Make a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir into the sauce until it thickens.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it is well coated.
Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce caramelizes.Drizzle halfway through for more flavor.
Let rest before serving, garnished with pineapple slices, spring onions and sesame seeds.
Variations and tips:
For a lighter version, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and adjust the cooking time.
Marinate the chicken in the sauce beforehand to give it a more intense flavor.
Add Sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.Replace the pineapple juice with mango nectar to give it another tropical twist.
For a smoky finish, briefly grill the chicken.
This versatile sauce goes great with ribs or as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
Discover the joy of Hawaiian cuisine with this easy-to-follow recipe for Huli-Huli Baked Chicken, a delicious blend of traditional flavor and modern comfort.
Have fun!
