Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe

The Best Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Hawaiian shoyu chicken brings the vibrant flavors of island cuisine to your dinner table with its unique blend of savory and sweet.

This mouthwatering dish captures the essence of traditional Hawaiian cooking through a delectable marinade that crafts ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Soy sauce serves as the fundamental backbone, creating a rich, deeply seasoned profile that tantalizes taste buds.

Local home cooks have perfected this recipe over generations, infusing each bite with cultural significance and culinary passion.

Tender meat absorbs complex layers of umami and subtle sweetness, promising a dining experience that transports you to tropical landscapes.

The recipe balances simplicity with incredible depth, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner with a dish that celebrates authentic Hawaiian flavor combinations.

Why Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Hits That Sweet-Savory Note

  • Marinate and Forget: This recipe offers a super easy overnight marinade that infuses deep, rich flavors into the chicken without constant attention, perfect for busy home cooks.
  • Hawaiian Flavor Explosion: The shoyu (soy sauce) base delivers an authentic island-style taste profile that balances sweet, salty, and umami notes, transporting your taste buds to tropical paradise.
  • Low-Effort Gourmet Meal: With just a few simple steps and minimal hands-on cooking time, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Foolproof Oven-Baked Goodness: The straightforward baking method ensures tender, juicy chicken every time, eliminating the guesswork and reducing the chances of dry or undercooked meat by using a precise temperature guide.

Ingredients for an Island-Inspired Chicken Dish

Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: A key Hawaiian-style seasoning that provides deep, salty umami flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a rich, caramelized glaze on the chicken.
  • Garlic: Provides intense aromatic flavor and depth to the marinade.
  • Ginger: Offers a bright, spicy undertone that complements the other ingredients.
Chicken Ingredient:
  • Chicken Thighs: Flavorful, tender cut that absorbs marinade well and stays juicy during baking.
Optional Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color as a finishing touch.
  • Sesame Seeds: Provides a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

How to Cook It to Tender, Juicy Perfection

Step 1: Create the Mouthwatering Marinade

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to blend the flavors completely. Ensure every piece of chicken gets coated with the rich, savory mixture.

Step 2: Let the Magic Happen

Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight, allowing the chicken to soak up all the incredible Hawaiian-inspired flavors. This slow marinating process ensures maximum taste and tenderness.

Step 3: Prepare for Cooking

Warm up your oven to 375°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for your chicken.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking pan, spreading the pieces evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Plate your delicious Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken and get ready to transport your taste buds to tropical paradise with each succulent bite.

Tips for Balancing Sweet and Salty Flavors

  • Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in the shoyu mixture overnight to allow deep flavor penetration and tender meat texture.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the 165°F internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken without dryness.
  • Pan Selection Matters: Choose a shallow baking pan that allows chicken pieces to sit in a single layer for even cooking and maximum sauce absorption.
  • Sauce Thickness Hack: If you prefer a thicker sauce, strain and reduce the marinade in a saucepan after baking for a more concentrated glaze.
  • Garnish Freshness: Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds just before serving to add a bright, crisp element and enhance visual appeal.

Reheating and Serving Leftovers Without Drying Out

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken maintains best quality for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated chicken in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. For frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.

What Goes Great With This Island Dish

  • Tropical Fruit Salsa Companion: Pair this savory shoyu chicken with a fresh pineapple and mango salsa to enhance the Hawaiian-inspired flavors and add a bright, zesty contrast.
  • Coconut Rice Sidekick: Serve the chicken over fluffy coconut rice to complement the soy-based marinade and create a harmonious island-style meal that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
  • Crisp White Wine Match: Choose a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the salty-sweet profile of the shoyu chicken, cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate.
  • Tropical Beverage Boost: Enjoy a classic Hawaiian POG (passion fruit, orange, guava) juice or a light beer like Kona Brewing Company's Longboard Lager to transport your taste buds directly to the islands.

New Flavor Profiles You’ll Want to Try

  • Spicy Island Kick: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for a bold, fiery flavor that complements the sweet and savory base.
  • Tropical Fruit Infusion: Incorporate crushed pineapple or mango chunks into the marinade to enhance the Hawaiian-inspired profile and tenderize the chicken.
  • Coconut Crunch Coating: Before baking, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the chicken for an extra layer of texture and nutty tropical essence.
  • Grilled Paradise Version: Instead of baking, grill the marinated chicken for a smoky char that brings out deeper, more complex flavors of the marinade.
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Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hawaiian shoyu chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory island flavors. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich soy-based sauce create a comforting meal that transports you to Pacific paradise with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 5 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Liquid and Sweeteners:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar, packed

Aromatics and Spices:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ginger, minced
  • ½ yellow onion, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Combine dark soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, water, and optional green onions in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a robust marinade with complex flavor profiles.
  2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each portion is thoroughly coated, and refrigerate for 8-12 hours to allow ingredients to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  3. Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking, allowing it to approach room temperature for more even heat distribution.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the center for consistent cooking.
  5. Transfer marinated chicken pieces into a ceramic or glass baking dish, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding to promote optimal browning and heat circulation.
  6. Pour remaining marinade over the chicken, creating a flavorful cooking liquid that will help maintain moisture during baking.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, periodically basting the chicken with pan juices to enhance flavor and prevent surface drying.
  8. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight to infuse deep, rich flavors and ensure tender, juicy meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Choose bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moistness during baking.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
  • Pair with steamed white rice or Hawaiian macaroni salad for an authentic island-style meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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