Origin and Region: Huli Huli Chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish that originated in the 1950s on the island of Oahu. It was invented by Ernest Morgado, who operated a chicken farm and restaurant in Hawaii. The term “huli huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the method of cooking the chicken by constantly turning it on a grill.
Introduction: Baked Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. It features tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, then baked to perfection. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for backyard barbecues, luau parties, or weeknight dinners with a taste of the tropics.
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Optional Toppings:
- Pineapple slices
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced red onions
Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken to use as a sauce for serving.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the marinade according to your taste preference by adjusting the amount of brown sugar or rice vinegar.
- For extra smokiness, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the wire rack, skin side up. Reserve the marinade for basting.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and caramelized.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Description: Baked Huli Huli Chicken is a mouthwatering dish with tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, then baked to perfection. The marinade infuses the chicken with tropical flavors, making it juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, based on typical ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 30g
Conclusion: Baked Huli Huli Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings the flavors of Hawaii to your table. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a taste of the tropics, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Recommendation: Serve Baked Huli Huli Chicken with steamed rice and grilled pineapple slices for a complete Hawaiian meal. It’s also great with a side of macaroni salad or coleslaw. Enjoy the leftovers in sandwiches or wraps for a quick and tasty lunch.