Description
A tender, sweet-and-savory Hawaiian dish made with juicy chicken thighs marinated in a homemade Huli Huli sauce. Baked until perfectly glazed and sticky, this tropical-inspired meal offers bold flavors and a taste of island paradise. Serve with jasmine rice and Hawaiian macaroni salad for a complete, authentic experience.
Ingredients
8–10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup pineapple juice
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup mirin (or white wine + sugar substitute)
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili paste (adjust to taste)
Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, mirin, ginger, garlic, and chili paste.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or bowl. Pour marinade over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Bake the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve extra marinade for basting). Arrange thighs in a single layer in the dish. Bake for 25 minutes.
Baste and Finish Baking: Baste chicken with reserved marinade and return to oven for another 10–15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with jasmine rice and Hawaiian macaroni salad.
Notes
For More Flavor: Marinate overnight for deep flavor.
Basting Tip: Reserve marinade before adding chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
Alternative Cooking Method: Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side, basting frequently.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave.
Spice Level: Adjust chili paste based on preference.
Sides: Best served with coconut rice, macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking (with option to grill)
- Cuisine: Hawaiian