If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a tropical twist, look no further than this Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe! Tender, juicy chicken thighs are simmered in a sweet-salty glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, making every bite rich, savory, and irresistible. This island classic is beloved for its simplicity, bold flavors, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you dreaming of warm breezes and ocean waves. Whether you’re brand new to Hawaiian cuisine Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a dish bursting with tropical flavor. Each component plays a special role in creating the signature taste, color, and aroma of the Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe.
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add incredible moisture and flavor, making the meat extra juicy and tender.
- Shoyu (soy sauce): The backbone of the dish, shoyu gives that deep umami richness and classic salty-sweet balance.
- Water: Helps create the perfect braising liquid and thins out the sauce just enough for simmering.
- Brown sugar: Adds a mellow, caramel sweetness that beautifully balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings a subtle warmth and brightness that lifts up the whole dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses every bite with that unmistakable aromatic kick.
- Mirin or dry sherry (optional): A splash of this adds complexity and a gentle, sweet finish to the sauce.
- Green onions (for garnish): Chopped green onions provide a pop of color and fresh, oniony crunch when serving.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Toasted sesame seeds give a nutty accent and beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In your largest pot or Dutch oven, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and mirin (if using). Stir everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved and you can smell that gorgeous mix of savory and sweet aromas wafting up. This is the magical base that gives the Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe its signature flavor.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the pot, skin side up. Nestling them in ensures every piece gets a cozy bath in the sauce while cooking. The skin-on, bone-in thighs are perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors and staying super tender throughout the simmer.
Step 3: Simmer Gently
Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the chicken bubble away uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping the pieces occasionally so every inch is glazed in that luscious sauce. As it simmers, the sauce will reduce and thicken slightly, infusing the chicken with every bit of sweet-salty goodness.
Step 4: Finish and Glaze
When the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, you can remove it from the pot. For a thicker, stickier sauce, just let the liquid simmer a few extra minutes until it turns glossy and syrupy. Pour it over the chicken right before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before you bring it to the table, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. This final touch adds fresh crunch and a hint of nuttiness, making your Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe look every bit as impressive as it tastes.
How to Serve Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what make this dish shine! A generous handful of fresh green onions brightens up the plate and adds a crisp bite, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds brings subtle nuttiness and a touch of elegance. If you love a little extra zing, a dash of chili flakes can also be a fun addition.
Side Dishes
This Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe is a natural match for a big scoop of steamed jasmine or short-grain rice, which soaks up that incredible sauce. For a true island feast, serve it alongside macaroni salad, sautéed greens, or even some pineapple chunks for a hint of tropical sweetness on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, shred the chicken and pile it into soft Hawaiian rolls for sliders, or serve it on a bed of noodles for a fun twist. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or top a poke bowl for a colorful, crowd-pleasing meal that showcases the versatility of the Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish holds up beautifully in the fridge! Simply transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container, and keep it chilled for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, so you might find it’s even tastier the next day.
Freezing
The Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe is freezer-friendly. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then pack into airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prep or future cravings.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a covered saucepan over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but adding a splash of water will help keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken instead?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver the juiciest results, boneless or skinless cuts work well too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster and dry out if overdone.
Is it necessary to use mirin or dry sherry?
Mirin or dry sherry is optional, but it adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to skip it—the Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe will still taste amazing!
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, simply remove the chicken once it’s done and let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes. It will thicken up beautifully and create that classic glossy finish.
Can I add vegetables to the simmer?
Definitely! Sliced onions, bell peppers, or even pineapple chunks are wonderful additions that soak up the yummy sauce and add extra flavor, color, and nutrition to your Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe.
Is this dish very salty?
The savory-sweet balance is what makes this recipe special, but if you’re watching your sodium, you can use a low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the shoyu amount slightly to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a pot of Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe with friends and family—the aroma, the flavors, and the memories it creates are simply unforgettable. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s a beloved classic both in Hawaii and beyond!
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Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, perfectly capturing the island-style taste. Ideal for a comforting main course, it’s simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, garnished with fresh green onions and optional sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade and Sauce
- 1 cup shoyu (soy sauce)
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mirin or dry sherry (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and mirin or dry sherry if using. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely to create a balanced sweet and savory marinade.
- Add the Chicken: Place the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in the pot in a single layer to ensure even cooking. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors thoroughly during simmering.
- Simmer the Chicken: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping the chicken occasionally to evenly coat with the sauce and ensure tenderness throughout.
- Reduce the Sauce and Glaze: Continue to simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, glazing the chicken beautifully. If a thicker sauce is preferred, remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes.
- Serve: Serve the chicken hot over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty finish.
Notes
- For an extra thick sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce a few more minutes until it reaches desired consistency.
- Add sliced onions or pineapple chunks during simmering to introduce additional sweetness and texture.
- Use mirin or dry sherry to add depth of flavor, but the recipe works well without it if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
