What is this Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken? Is it like taking a mini-vacation to the islands without even leaving your kitchen? When I made this, the aroma wafted through the house, and my husband was so impressed. Then I ate it again. Family was practically fighting over who got seconds. Is it easier to make teriyaki chicken? What is the magic of marinade? What is a flavor This is comfort food at its finest, with a tropical twist that will have you craving more.
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What is Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?
Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is essentially chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce. What is soy sauce? ), Brown Sugar, ginger, garlic, and a few other secret ingredients that give it that signature flavor. Hawaiian flavor. Think of it as the islands’ version of BBQ chicken, but with a uniquely sweet and umami kick. What makes this a good ginger and soy sauce dish? The chicken simmers in this magical sauce until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender and the sauce thickens. How do you make a luscious glaze Is it a staple in Hawaiian plate lunches? Is there a taste of Aloha in every bite?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken recipe! First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of sweet brown sugar, salty soy sauce, and pungent ginger and garlic creates a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds. It’s savory, sweet, and slightly tangy all at the same time. What I love most about this is how simple it is to make. Seriously, you just whisk together the marinade, toss in the chicken, and let it simmer. No fancy techniques or complicated steps required! This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s super cost-effective! Chicken thighs are budget-friendly, and the marinade ingredients are pantry staples. This is a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, alongside a salad, or even in sliders for a fun and casual meal. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping – the flavors just get better as it sits! It’s definitely a winner in my book, right up there with my famous honey garlic chicken, but with a whole different vibe.
How do I make Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?
Quick Overview
Making Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is surprisingly simple. You basically whisk together a marinade, toss in the chicken, and let it simmer away until it’s incredibly tender and flavorful. The key is to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even longer, if you have the time!) to really soak up all those delicious flavors. Then, just simmer it in the marinade until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened into a beautiful glaze. It’s so easy, even a beginner cook can nail this recipe!
Ingredients
For the Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken: How do you prepare it?
* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I prefer thighs because they stay super moist, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer)
* 1 cup soy sauce (I use low-sodium to control the saltiness)
* 1 cup water
* 3/4 cup packed Brown Sugar (light or dark, whatever you have on hand!)
* 1/2 cup rice vinegar (adds a nice tang!)
* 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger (don’t skimp on the ginger, it’s key!)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced is best!)
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil (adds a nutty flavor)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
* 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
* 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How do I follow
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, Brown Sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and salt. Set aside. What is the best combination of sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes? Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for even storage. I always do this in the morning if I know I’m going to be busy later on. What makes a difference?
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
Transfer the chicken and marinade to a large skillet or pot. Bring to simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. How do I make a sauce? Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily!
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
If the chicken is cooked in a skillet, toss to coat with the thickened sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot over rice, garnished with sliced green onions. What are some good Side Dishes to serve with a side of steamed vegetables? My family loves it with a scoop of mac salad, just like they serve in Hawaii!
What should I serve it with?
Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different sides!
What is a classic Hawaiian plate lunch?Serve it with steamed rice (I prefer short grain), macaroni salad, and a side of kimchi or pickled onions. What is the traditional way to enjoy it?What is a quick and easy weeknight meal? Serve it with a simple green salad and some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus.
For a Fun and Casual Gathering:Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken sliders using Hawaiian rolls and top with coleslaw or pineapple salsa.For Meal Prep:What’s a healthy lunch? Is it safe to store it in the fridge for several days?
How do I perfect a Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?
How do I make Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?Don’t skip the Marinating Time: Do not skip it. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. I recommend at least 30 minutes, but longer is always better!
How do you use fresh ginger and garlic?What are some good substitutes for minced garlic and ginger? What makes a difference?How do I control saltiness? If you’re sensitive to salt, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount to your liking.
Don’t overcook a chicken: Don Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the correct internal temperature (165°F).
Thicken the Sauce to Your Liking:If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch. Just mix it with a tablespoon of cold water before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Storing:Can you store leftover Hawaiian Shoyu chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks?Reheating:If you want to reheat it in the microwave, in a skillet over medium heat, or in an oven at 350°F, you can use the following methods. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. When it doubts adding a tiny bit of broth to help keep it moist is always advisable!Freezing:Can you freeze Hawaiian Shoyu chicken for up to 3 months? Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Is it safe to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating?
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken recipe that’s always a hit! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. It’s such a simple yet satisfying dish that brings a little bit of the islands into your kitchen. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for slow cooker kalua pig or my pineapple fried rice. Both are packed with tropical flavors and are sure to please! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or variations you try. Happy cooking!
Spicy Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless chicken breasts skinless
- 1 cup honey raw or processed
- 4 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 teaspoons chili powder or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, lime juice, chili powder, and minced garlic. Whisk together until well blended.
- Place chicken breasts in a large gallon-sized resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Seal the bag and turn it gently to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard the marinade. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra lime wedges and serve.
