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
Ingredients for an Island-Inspired Chicken Dish
Marinade Ingredients:Chicken Ingredient:Optional Garnish: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
Reheating and Serving Leftovers Without Drying Out
What Goes Great With This Island Dish
New Flavor Profiles You’ll Want to Try
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Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking, allowing it to approach room temperature for more even heat distribution.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the center for consistent cooking.
- 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.
- Pour remaining marinade over the chicken, creating a flavorful cooking liquid that will help maintain moisture during baking.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, periodically basting the chicken with pan juices to enhance flavor and prevent surface drying.
- 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.
- 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
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement
Education
Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin
Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota
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.