The Classic Hawaiian Chicken You’ll Love: Shoyu Chicken Recipe

If you're yearning for a tropical vibe, this Hawaiian shoyu chicken recipe is the perfect blend of comfort food and exotic flavor. Shoyu chicken is a Hawaiian staple, brimming with succulent, umami-rich goodness. It's made by simmering chicken thighs in a hearty broth of shoyu soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and chicken stock, resulting in a dish that's deeply flavorful and satisfying.

What is Shoyu (Soy Sauce)?

"Shoyu" refers to a traditional Japanese-style soy sauce made with both soy and wheat, which imparts a unique sweet-and-salty balance with a nuanced flavor profile. It’s a versatile ingredient used in stir-fries, marinades, dipping sauces, and much more. While the Aloha brand is iconic in Hawaii for making this dish, Kikkoman soy sauce is more commonly available and works just as well.

What to Serve With Shoyu Chicken

The versatility of shoyu chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser. It pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce. You can also serve it with sautéed baby bok choy, thick udon noodles, or stir-fried vegetables like green beans for a well-balanced meal loaded with texture and freshness.

Why Chicken Thighs?

The recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which are prized for their juicy tenderness and deep flavor. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the aromatic broth, with the skin turning irresistibly crisp when broiled (optional) for extra texture.

Complete Step-By-Step Ingredients and Method

Ingredients

  1. 1/2 cup shoyu soy sauce
  2. 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  3. 4 small cloves garlic (finely chopped)
  4. 1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
  5. 1 3/4 cups unsalted chicken stock, divided
  6. 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  7. 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  8. Optional: sliced scallions for garnish.

Method

  1. Create the Sauce: In a medium Dutch oven or large skillet, whisk together shoyu, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and 1.5 cups of chicken stock. Make sure the sugar fully dissolves for smooth flavor integration.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the sauce and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  3. Optional Broil for Crispy Skin: If you’d like crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet, skin-side up, and broil for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Combine cornstarch and the remaining 1/4 cup of stock in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the shoyu broth and whisk over medium heat. Let the sauce boil briefly (about 1 minute) until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Serve: Return the chicken to the Dutch oven, spoon thickened sauce over it, and garnish with sliced scallions if desired. Serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making this a great meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 45-minute recipe captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine with ease. Its delicious combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors makes it perfect for weekday dinners or even casual gatherings. Plus, it's highly versatile—serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles for a dish that transports you to sunny Hawaiian shores in every bite.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 445
  • Protein: 42g
  • Carbs: 23g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Sodium: 2056mg
  • Sugars: 15g

(Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

More Finger-Licking Chicken Recipes to Try

  • Classic Chicken Provencal: A French favorite with Mediterranean vibes.
  • Chicken Scarpariello: Sweet-and-savory Italian-American chicken and sausage dish.
  • Coconut Lime Chicken: Velvety goodness infused with tropical citrus and coconut, ready in 30 minutes.

Whether you're recreating a taste of Hawaii for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this shoyu chicken recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Happy cooking!