Name: Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced or pasted; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 cup canned pineapple juice; 1/2 cup light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoon Sriracha; 1 can pineapple rings, drained

Jump to Recipe·4 from 47 reviews

If you have ever been captivated by the sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors of Hawaiian cuisine, then get ready to fall in love all over again with this Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe. This dish brings together a vibrant medley of pineapple, soy, and spices that perfectly glaze tender chicken thighs, creating a deliciously sticky and caramelized finish. Whether you're new to Hawaiian flavors or a longtime fan, this recipe is a simple yet spectacular way to bring a tropical touch to your dinner table. The best part? It’s baked in the oven, making it accessible for any home cook craving a crowd-pleaser.

This image shows twelve pieces of raw marinated chicken thighs placed on a metal wire rack over a foil-lined tray. Each chicken piece has a glossy, thick sauce coating with a rich brown and reddish hue, making the surface look wet and shiny. The chicken pieces vary slightly in size and shape, with some showing smooth skin and others with visible textures of skin folds and fat. The wire rack grid creates a pattern beneath the chicken, and the foil below reflects light slightly, adding soft silver highlights. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

Each ingredient here plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe so irresistible. From the savory spices that awaken your taste buds to the sweet pineapple juice that balances everything perfectly, these simple ingredients come together in harmony.

4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: These offer juicy, tender meat that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
¼ cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist.
2 cloves garlic, minced or pasted: Gives a punch of aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild earthiness and gorgeous color to the marinade.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing.
½ teaspoon ground cumin: Provides a smoky complexity.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
½ cup brown sugar: The sweet backbone that caramelizes during cooking.
½ cup ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness and thick texture to the glaze.
1 cup canned pineapple juice: Infuses the chicken with tropical juiciness and tenderizes the meat.
½ cup light soy sauce: Delivers that classic savory umami punch.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the complexity with its savory and slightly sweet notes.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Brightens the marinade with a subtle acidity.
2 teaspoon Sriracha: Adds a progressive, mild heat that wakes the palate.
1 can pineapple rings, drained: Perfect for adding an iconic tropical garnish.

How to Make Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

Start by mixing together olive oil, garlic, paprika, ginger, cumin, salt, black pepper, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Sriracha in a large bowl or a gallon-sized zip-top bag. This marinade forms the heart of your Huli Huli Chicken, combining sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors into one glossy glaze.

Step 2: Set aside marinade for basting

Before adding the chicken, scoop out ½ cup of the marinade and chill it separately. This reserved glaze will be brushed on the chicken during baking to build layers of sticky flavor and a beautiful crust, so keep it handy in the fridge.

Step 3: Marinate the chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bowl or bag and chill for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight—this allows the chicken to soak up all the magic flavors deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

Step 4: Prepare for baking

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top; this setup ensures even heat circulation so your chicken cooks perfectly without sitting in its juices.

Step 5: Bake and baste the chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, placing it evenly on the wire rack. Bake for 15 minutes, then brush generously with the reserved marinade. Return the chicken to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until cooked through, brush again with the glaze, and then broil for 2-3 minutes to develop a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

Step 6: Add pineapple and final broil

Top each chicken thigh with a pineapple ring and broil once more to warm and slightly char the fruit. This finishing touch is iconic to Huli Huli Chicken and adds a juicy, fresh burst of tropical flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

The image shows several pieces of grilled meat with one large round slice of grilled pineapple placed on top of each piece. The meat looks slightly charred with dark brown and reddish tones, while the pineapple slices have a golden yellow color with light grill marks. The pieces are arranged on a wire rack over a tray lined with foil. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate the dish instantly. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or cilantro over the chicken for bright, fresh herbaceous notes that complement the sweetness of the glaze. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds visual appeal and a subtle nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

This Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or jasmine rice to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce. Light steamed vegetables or a crisp tropical slaw balance the richness with refreshing crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive vibe, serve this chicken on a platter lined with banana leaves and garnish with extra pineapple chunks and edible flowers. You can even transform leftovers into wraps or tacos with Asian-inspired slaw for a fun twist on your next lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your chicken feast, store leftover Baked Huli Huli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to label it so you remember the deliciousness waiting inside your freezer!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven or microwave, brushing with a little extra reserved marinade or pineapple juice to keep it moist and flavorful. Avoid overheating so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier and more forgiving, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook since breasts can dry out faster.

How spicy is the Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe?

The Sriracha adds a subtle heat that balances perfectly with the sweetness and acidity, but it is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! The marinade can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge for convenient meal prep.

Is it necessary to broil at the end?

Broiling adds that classic caramelized finish that makes this recipe so special, but if you prefer, you can skip it. You may just miss a bit of that signature charred flavor.

What if I don’t have pineapple rings?

No worries—fresh pineapple chunks or even canned tidbits can be used, though rings make for a beautiful presentation.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about mastering the Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe and sharing it with loved ones. Its blend of tropical sweetness, savory spice, and tender chicken is irresistible, and baking it makes the process easy and fuss-free. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bring a little Hawaiian sunshine to your kitchen today!

Baked Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need