The aroma of Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken wafts through the air, evoking memories of warm summer evenings spent with family and friends. The savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger coats tender chicken, creating a dish that’s as comforting as a hug from your favorite aunt.
Imagine biting into succulent pieces of chicken, perfectly marinated and grilled until they glisten in the sunlight. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings people together, making it perfect for backyard barbecues or cozy weeknight dinners.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights
- Its sweet and savory flavor profile will make your taste buds dance with joy
- The dish looks absolutely stunning on the plate, with vibrant colors that pop
- It’s versatile enough to serve with rice, salads, or even as a filling for tacos!
I recall the first time I made Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and I felt like a culinary genius.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These thighs remain juicy after cooking; they are my go-to choice for this recipe.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for a robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
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Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zing that complements the sweetness of the soy sauce beautifully.
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep your dish flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
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Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and caramelization, giving your chicken a beautiful glaze.
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Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil enhances the overall flavor profile with its nutty aroma.
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Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color as a garnish.
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Rice or Noodles: These serve as excellent accompaniments to soak up all that delicious sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
Prepare Your Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium heat or set your oven to broil at 400°F (200°C). If using an oven-safe pan on the stove instead of grilling, heat it over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and place on the grill or in your hot pan. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until charred and cooked through; brush with reserved marinade halfway through.
Make Extra Sauce (Optional): While chicken cooks, pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly; this creates an extra dipping sauce.
Garnish and Serve!: Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), remove chicken from heat. Top with sliced green onions before serving alongside rice or noodles to soak up all that wonderful sauce.
Enjoy every bite of this delightful Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken—a meal full of flavor that feels like a mini-vacation on your plate!
You Must Know
- Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken is not just delicious; it’s a culinary hug for your taste buds
- This dish offers a savory-sweet experience that’s perfect for any occasion
- The aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, asking, “What’s cooking?”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour, then sear it to lock in flavors before braising until tender. This sequence ensures you get juicy chicken with a rich sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version. Add pineapple chunks or green onions for extra flavor and color, making your dish even more vibrant.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on low heat in a pan to maintain moisture and flavor without drying out the chicken.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always taste your marinade before adding the chicken; adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed
- Ensure even cooking by cutting chicken pieces into uniform sizes
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking intensifies its flavors and juiciness
Sometimes, I serve this dish at family gatherings, and it’s always met with cheers and requests for seconds—nothing beats that joyful reaction!
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs cook faster but keep them juicy with careful timing.
What side dishes pair well with Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken?
Serve it with rice or grilled veggies for a balanced meal that complements the dish perfectly.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating overnight enhances the flavors beautifully, but even one hour works well!
Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of summer with its mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors. Marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, the tender chicken thighs are grilled to perfection, creating a juicy and aromatic meal that is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Serve it with rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce and enjoy a taste of Hawaii from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium heat or oven to broil at 400°F (200°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and grill or broil for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), brushing with reserved marinade halfway.
- For extra sauce, simmer remaining marinade in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Garnish cooked chicken with green onions and serve with rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (about 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Enhance flavor by adding pineapple chunks to the marinade. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat gently.
