Name: Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 cup shoyu (soy sauce); 1 cup water; ¾ cup brown sugar; 5 cloves garlic (smashed); 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (sliced); 2 green onions (chopped); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

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If you’re dreaming of bold, island-inspired comfort food, look no further than this Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe. This scrumptious dish is packed with savory soy, punchy aromatics, and the perfect amount of sweetness—all bubbling together to cloak tender chicken in an irresistibly glossy sauce. Beloved at Hawaiian potlucks, family dinners, and backyard luaus, it’s the kind of meal that instantly transports you to a breezy tropical evening, even if you’re just serving it on a Tuesday night at home.

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic behind this Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe: you only need a modest handful of pantry staples and island essentials, but each one brings something special. From skin-on chicken thighs that soak up flavor, to brown sugar and ginger that round out the sauce, every ingredient plays a flavorful role.

Chicken thighs (2 pounds, bone-in, skin-on): Juicy dark meat is perfect for absorbing the bold, savory marinade, and the skin adds irresistible flavor.
Shoyu (1 cup soy sauce): The salty, umami backbone of the dish; use Hawaiian-style or a good-quality Japanese soy sauce.
Water (1 cup): Balances the sauce, keeping it from turning too salty while lending body.
Brown sugar (¾ cup): Brings characteristic caramel notes, offering just the right touch of sweetness to the savory glaze.
Garlic (5 cloves, smashed): Adds depth, warmth, and an enticing aroma as the dish simmers.
Ginger (1 thumb-sized piece, sliced): Brightens the sauce with a citrusy zip and classic Hawaiian flair.
Green onions (2, chopped): Build in herbaceous freshness and color both in the sauce and as a garnish.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Cuts through the richness, giving the sauce a subtle tang that keeps you coming back for more.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Offers nutty complexity and a hint of toasty aroma that rounds out the dish perfectly.
Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, optional): Use this for a slightly thicker, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of chicken.

How to Make Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base

Start by assembling all of your sauce ingredients into a large pot or Dutch oven. Combine the shoyu, water, brown sugar, smashed garlic cloves, sliced ginger, chopped green onions, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Give it a quick stir to start dissolving the brown sugar, letting those fantastic fragrances bloom right from the start. The sauce should already smell irresistible, with each layer mingling into something you just know will taste amazing.

Step 2: Add and Arrange the Chicken

Nestle the chicken thighs into the pot in a single layer, skin-side down. This ensures every bite gets infused with maximum flavor from the sauce, and allows the skin to gently baste as the chicken simmers. The meat will stay juicy and succulent, soaking up all those sweet-savory, garlicky notes.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Turn the heat to medium-high, and bring everything to a hearty boil. Once it’s rolling, drop the heat to low so you get a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the chicken bathe in that lush sauce for about 30 to 35 minutes. At the halfway point, flip each piece to make sure both sides soak up all the flavor. The chicken will become meltingly tender and take on a beautiful, deep mahogany hue.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

Want your Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe to have a classic, glossy finish? After the chicken is fully cooked, remove the pieces from the pot and whisk in your cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce just coats a spoon, then return the chicken to warm through. This step is entirely up to your personal texture preference—either way, you’ll have a deeply flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the chicken and decadent sauce over generous mounds of steamed white rice, making sure to ladle plenty of that savory-sweet glaze on top. Scatter with fresh green onions or sesame seeds if you want to up the wow factor. You’ll have a meal worthy of any Hawaiian home kitchen.

How to Serve Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

For that true island presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds just before serving. Not only do these add color and crunch, but they also deliver extra pops of flavor and aroma that round things out perfectly.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, the Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe shines alongside fluffy steamed white rice, soaking up all the wonderful sauce. For a taste of a genuine local plate lunch, serve with creamy macaroni salad and simple sautéed cabbage. The contrast in textures and cool mayo-based salad balance the rich chicken beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn leftovers into an incredible rice bowl: layer the chicken and sauce over hot rice, then pile on pickled veggies or quick stir-fried greens. Or, shred the meat and tuck it into lettuce wraps for a light, modern take. Want a picnic-ready version? Toss cooled, sliced shoyu chicken with cold noodles, cucumbers, and extra sauce for a refreshing salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers somehow even more delicious. Always refrigerate once cooled, and store the sauce together with the chicken if possible.

Freezing

Want to make this dish ahead for easy meals later? Cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well frozen for up to three months. For extra convenience, portion out single servings so you can reheat only what you need on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheating couldn’t be simpler: gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a covered pot over low heat, or use a microwave with a splash of water to keep things moist. Stir frequently so the sauce doesn’t scorch or separate. If the sauce thickens too much after storing, just add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it up again.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken instead?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe. Just reduce the simmering time by about 10 minutes, as they cook faster and can dry out if left too long.

What’s the difference between shoyu and regular soy sauce?

Shoyu is a Japanese-style soy sauce—slightly lighter and rounder in flavor than Chinese soy sauce. You can use regular soy sauce if that’s what you have, but if you find Hawaiian or Japanese brands, the taste will be even more authentic.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily adapt the Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe for a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is wonderfully tender.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken beforehand?

If you have extra time, marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking intensifies the flavors. That said, the recipe is plenty delicious even when cooked right away—no marinating required!

What can I substitute for brown sugar?

You can swap in honey or coconut sugar for the brown sugar if you prefer. Each will bring a slightly different sweetness to the shoyu chicken, but both work beautifully in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about making this Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe at home. Whether you’re introducing someone to island flavors or just craving a beautiful, nostalgic meal, the blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes is always a hit. Give it a try—your kitchen (and everyone at the table) is in for a real treat!

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of the islands with this delicious Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory-sweet soy sauce-based glaze, served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Sauce:

1 cup shoyu (soy sauce)
1 cup water
¾ cup brown sugar
5 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (sliced)
2 green onions (chopped)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot, combine shoyu, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, green onions, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to dissolve sugar.
Cook the Chicken: Add chicken thighs in a single layer, skin-side down. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 30–35 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through.
Thicken the Sauce: If desired, remove chicken and stir in cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the pot.
Serve: Spoon sauce over chicken and serve hot with steamed rice.