Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Deliciously Sweet and Savory: Baked Huli Huli Chicken

Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Hawaii with our mouthwatering Baked Huli Huli Chicken recipe! This iconic Hawaiian dish features tender chicken thighs marinated in a delectable blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. Baked to perfection, this dish boasts irresistible flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to make this island-inspired favorite right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of chicken thighs, bone-in, 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 fresh ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish (optional)
• Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Pro Tip: For a keto-friendly version, you can use a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of brown sugar.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Bake the Chicken:
   • Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and transfer them to the prepared baking dish, skin side up. Reserve the marinade for later use.
   • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
   • While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add it to the saucepan. Cook the glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and bubbles.
6. Glaze the Chicken:
   • Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and brush the glaze over the top of each piece. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   • Transfer the baked Huli Huli chicken to a serving platter and garnish with fresh pineapple slices, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Grill It: For an authentic Hawaiian experience, grill the marinated chicken thighs over medium-high heat instead of baking them in the oven. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Make it Spicy: Add a kick of heat to your Huli Huli chicken by incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the marinade.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute firm tofu or seitan for the chicken thighs to create a vegetarian version of this dish. Marinate the tofu or seitan in the same sauce and bake or grill until heated through.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Substitute brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content of the marinade.
• Serve the baked Huli Huli chicken with cauliflower rice or a side salad for a keto-friendly meal option.

Low-Carb Version:

• Omit the brown sugar altogether or use a minimal amount to reduce the overall carb content of the dish.
• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a leaner protein option.

In conclusion, our Baked Huli Huli Chicken recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. With its tender, juicy chicken thighs and irresistible sweet and savory marinade,