Baked Huli Huli Chicken (with easy homemade sauce)

Baked Huli Huli Chicken (with easy homemade sauce)

8 servings
Easy-baked Huli Huli chicken is an instant family favorite! Tender chicken thighs are slathered in a sticky Hawaiian-inspired sauce then baked to perfection. It’s a chicken dinner that will satisfy anyone!

Ingredients

  • ketchup
    ⅓ c
  • light brown sugar)

    (packed

    ½ c
  • soy sauce
    ¼ c
  • pineapple juice
    ½ c
  • mirin)

    (or use a dry sherry, rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice

    2 tbsp
  • garlic)

    (finely minced or grated

    1 ½ tsp
  • ginger)

    (grated

    1 tbsp
  • chili paste)

    (i use sambal oelek brand

    1 tbsp
  • chicken thighs)

    (boneless, skinless

    2 lb

Directions

Huli huli sauce

  1. 1

    For best results, grate your garlic and peeled ginger on a microplane so that you have a very fine consistency in your sauce. Alternatively, chop them both until they're very finely minced.

  2. 2

    Add all of the ingredients (ketchup, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, mirin, garlic, ginger, and chili paste) in a large saucepan, stir to combine, and bring them to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

  3. 3

    Thicken the sauce, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes. Your sauce is ready when it will cling to your spoon or spatula.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Baked chicken

  1. 1

    Once your homemade huli huli sauce is cooled, place the chicken into a bowl and cover with the sauce. Wrap with cling film and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes and preferably 8 hours or overnight (no more than 12 hours).

  2. 2

    When your chicken has sufficiently marinated, remove it from the fridge while you preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, or coating lightly with non-stick cooking spray or oil.

  3. 3

    Transfer the chicken to your prepared baking dish and arrange in a single layer. Bake in the middle of the center rack in your oven for 15 minutes, then flip and brush with more sauce. Cook for an additional 15 minutes then repeat to apply more sauce.

  4. 4

    Cook for a final 5-10 minutes after brushing with sauce one last time. Once the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest portion, it's done. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Baked Huli Huli Chicken (with easy homemade sauce)

Baked Huli Huli Chicken (with easy homemade sauce)

5.0(97)15 min8 servings220 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 97 ratings

bakeitwithlove.com
5.0(97 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving a taste of the islands without leaving your kitchen? Our Baked Huli Huli Chicken is your one-way ticket to a flavorful Hawaiian-inspired dinner! This incredibly easy recipe transforms humble chicken thighs into a show-stopping meal, all thanks to a sticky, savory-sweet, and slightly tangy homemade Hawaiian BBQ sauce.

What makes this Baked Huli Huli Chicken truly special is the perfect balance of flavors in its sauce. We're talking rich ketchup, sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, bright pineapple juice, and the aromatic punch of fresh ginger and garlic. A touch of mirin adds depth, while chili paste gives it that authentic, subtle kick. This magical sauce clings to every inch of the tender chicken thighs, baking them to juicy perfection with a beautiful caramelized glaze that’s utterly irresistible.

Forget complicated marinades and grilling fuss; this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. With just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking (plus baking time), you'll have a dinner that tastes like it took hours. It’s an instant family favorite that satisfies big appetites and is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve your Baked Huli Huli Chicken with classic sides like fluffy white rice, a scoop of creamy macaroni salad, or a simple green salad for a complete and delicious meal.

Tips for Success & Variations

  • Chicken Cuts: While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even wings. Adjust baking times accordingly.
  • Spice Level: Easily customize the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili paste in the sauce.
  • A Touch of Char: For an extra layer of flavor and a touch of that classic Huli Huli char, finish your baked chicken under the broiler for a few minutes until beautifully browned and slightly crispy, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  • Marinade Option: For even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the Huli Huli sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions