Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a comforting island favorite that’s tender, flavorful, and packed with a sweet-salty balance that defines Hawaiian home cooking. “Shoyu” means soy sauce in Japanese, and this dish blends it with brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to create a rich, savory glaze. Served over rice, it’s a simple yet deeply satisfying meal that tastes like aloha in every bite.
Ingredients
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3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can also use drumsticks)
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1 cup soy sauce (shoyu)
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1 cup water
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¾ cup brown sugar
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for brightness)
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2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 40 minutes
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Total time: 50 minutes
Serving
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Serves 4–6
Instructions
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Prepare the Sauce:
In a large pot or deep skillet, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. -
Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces into the pot, skin side down. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. -
Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 25 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through to coat evenly. -
Thicken the Sauce:
Uncover the pot and let it simmer for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly until glossy. -
Serve:
Transfer the chicken to a platter, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice and a side of macaroni salad for a true Hawaiian-style meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 410
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Protein: 32g
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Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Sugar: 14g
Tips
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For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 1 hour before cooking.
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You can also make this in a slow cooker: cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3 hours.
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Add pineapple chunks during the last 10 minutes for a sweet island twist.
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The sauce is delicious drizzled over rice or even noodles.
Tender, juicy, and packed with island flavor, Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a dish that brings a taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen — simple to make, unforgettable to eat.
