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Baked Huli Huli Chicken - Sweet, Savory, and Oven-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2–3 pounds bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks (or boneless thighs)
  • Pineapple juice: 1 cup, not from concentrate if possible
  • Soy sauce: 1/2 cup (low sodium preferred)
  • Brown sugar: 1/3 cup, packed
  • Ketchup: 1/3 cup
  • Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, finely grated
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce: 1–2 teaspoons (optional, for heat)
  • Neutral oil: 1 tablespoon (canola or avocado)
  • Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (optional, to thicken glaze)
  • Green onions: 2–3, thinly sliced for garnish
  • Sesame seeds: For garnish (optional)
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Lime or lemon wedges: For serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, sriracha (if using), and neutral oil until smooth.
  • Reserve some for glazing: Pour about 3/4 cup of the marinade into a small container and refrigerate. You’ll simmer this later for a safe finishing glaze.
  • Marinate the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and place it in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor. Turn the chicken once or twice during this time.
  • Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set a wire rack on top, if you have one. Lightly oil the rack. The rack helps air circulate for crispier skin.
  • Arrange the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place pieces skin-side up on the rack. Discard used marinade.
  • Roast: Bake for 25 minutes for bone-in thighs/drumsticks (15–18 minutes for boneless thighs). Meanwhile, pour the reserved clean marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes. If you want a thicker glaze, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water, then whisk into the simmering sauce and cook 30–60 seconds more.
  • Baste and finish: Brush the chicken generously with the hot glaze. Return to the oven and bake another 10–15 minutes, basting once more. Chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F and the skin is deep golden with sticky edges.
  • Optional broil: For extra char, broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  • Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice, grilled or fresh pineapple, and a squeeze of lime.