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Tender Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe

Tender Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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