Tasty Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe for Island Flavor Fans

Sizzling with island flavors, this Hawaiian shoyu chicken recipe delivers a punch of umami that transports you straight to the sunny beaches of Oahu.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a rich, savory shoyu sauce that captures the essence of Hawaiian home cooking.

The blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes perfectly on each piece of meat.

Sweet and salty notes dance together, promising a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just got a tropical upgrade with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to bring a taste of Hawaii to your dinner table.

Key Ingredients for Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

• Soy Sauce: Delivers rich, salty depth and traditional Hawaiian flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramelized sweetness and helps create glossy chicken coating.
• Water: Helps balance saltiness and ensures even marinade distribution.

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy cut that absorbs marinade beautifully and stays moist during baking.
• Chicken Drumsticks: Flavorful dark meat that holds seasoning well and offers succulent texture.

• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent undertones that complement Hawaiian-style savory dishes.
• Ginger: Brings zesty, warm notes and traditional island cooking complexity.
• Green Onions: Offers fresh, mild onion accent and vibrant garnish for final presentation.

Kitchen Tools for Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Success

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect flavor balance.
• Baking pan: Sturdy dish for even cooking and catching delicious juices.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's safe internal temperature.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for trimming chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken during baking.

Steps for Making Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

• Flavor Fusion

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a rich marinade that’ll transform ordinary chicken into a Hawaiian delicacy.

• Overnight Infusion

Allow the chicken to soak in the marinade, letting each piece absorb the deep, complex flavors that will make your taste buds dance with tropical excitement.

• Oven Transformation

Heat the oven to a steady 375°F and place the marinated chicken in a baking pan, letting it roast until the meat is perfectly cooked through and glistening with a caramelized sauce.

• Temperature Check

Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, tender meat that’s packed with authentic Hawaiian-style taste and aroma.

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Tips & Garnish Options

• Let chicken marinate in the refrigerator for maximum taste infusion, allowing the shoyu sauce to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, ensuring it reaches exactly 165°F for safe and juicy results.
• Transform leftover marinade into a delicious glaze by simmering it in a saucepan until slightly thickened, perfect for drizzling over cooked chicken.
• Pair this Hawaiian-style chicken with steamed white rice, grilled pineapple, or a crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw for a complete tropical meal experience.

Ways to Serve Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

• Pair with Steamed Rice: Serve the tender, flavorful chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious shoyu marinade.
• Add Colorful Side Dishes: Complement the chicken with bright, fresh sides like Hawaiian macaroni salad, grilled pineapple, or a crisp green salad for a vibrant tropical meal.
• Garnish for Extra Flavor: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro on top to add a pop of color and an extra layer of taste to the dish.
• Make It a Family-Style Meal: Bring the baking pan to the table and let everyone help themselves, creating a casual and inviting dining experience that captures the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality.

Storage Guide for Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor depth and tenderness.
• Freeze for Later: Sealed chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking to maintain moisture and taste.
• Leftovers Management: Cooked chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when kept in a sealed container, perfect for quick lunch reheats.
• Reheating Tips: Warm leftover chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent dryness and maintain its juicy Hawaiian-style texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 5

Tender Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory hawaiian shoyu chicken delivers tender, juicy meat marinated in a rich soy-based sauce with deep Pacific island flavors. Served over steamed rice, this classic dish brings tropical comfort to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 5 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar, packed
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ yellow onion, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk dark soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, water, and green onions in a large bowl to craft a rich, aromatic liquid that will infuse the chicken with deep, complex flavors.
2. Marinating Process: Immerse chicken pieces completely in the marinade, guaranteeing thorough coverage, and refrigerate for 8-12 hours to allow flavor penetration and meat tenderization.
3. Thermal Preparation: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, enabling temperature equalization, and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack centered for uniform heat distribution.
4. Baking Configuration: Arrange marinated chicken in a single layer within a ceramic baking dish, avoiding overcrowding, and generously pour remaining marinade over the pieces to create a moist cooking environment.
5. Cooking Technique: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, intermittently basting with pan juices to intensify flavor and prevent surface dehydration, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital thermometer.
6. Resting Phase: Extract from oven and allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes, permitting juice redistribution and guaranteeing maximum succulence before serving.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in the sauce overnight for deep, rich flavor absorption and maximum meat tenderization.
• Temperature Matters: Allow chicken to sit at room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Basting Technique: Regularly spoon pan juices over chicken during baking to lock in moisture and create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
• Safety First: Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee chicken is fully cooked and safe to consume.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg