What Is Hawaiian Style Shoyu Chicken?
Hawaiian Style Shoyu Chicken is a mouthwatering comfort food dish made with soy sauce (shoyu), sugar, garlic, and ginger, simmered into tender, juicy chicken. Served over sticky rice, it’s a staple across the Hawaiian Islands and adored for its simplicity and bold, umami-rich flavors.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Origins of Shoyu Chicken in Hawaii
Born from Hawaii’s plantation history, shoyu chicken is heavily influenced by Japanese immigrants who brought soy sauce-based marinades to the islands. Over time, locals added their flair—creating a dish that’s now a beloved part of Hawaiian culture and featured in nearly every lunch plate or family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Style Shoyu Chicken
- Quick and satisfying: Done in under an hour.
- Savory-sweet balance: Shoyu, sugar, and aromatics create depth.
- Family-approved: Perfect for picky eaters and easy to scale.
- Leftovers rock: It tastes even better the next day!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | Juicy, tender protein |
| Shoyu (Soy Sauce) | Deep umami flavor |
| Brown Sugar | Adds sweetness and balances saltiness |
| Garlic & Ginger | Adds warmth and aroma |
| Water | To dilute and simmer |
| Green Onion | For garnish and freshness |
| Cornstarch | Optional thickening agent |
Understanding Shoyu: The Star of the Sauce
“Shoyu” is the Japanese word for soy sauce—but in Hawaii, it usually refers to Aloha Shoyu, a milder, sweeter version. You can substitute with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari if needed, but nothing beats the flavor of traditional Hawaiian shoyu.
The Best Chicken Cuts for This Dish
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the gold standard. They render fat into the sauce, keeping it rich. Boneless thighs or drumsticks are great alternatives, but avoid dry cuts like chicken breasts.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Hawaiian Style Shoyu Chicken
1. Combine Sauce Ingredients:
Mix ¾ cups shoyu, ½ cups water, ¼ cups brown sugar, 3 chopped garlic cloves, sliced ginger, and chopped green onion in a large pot.
2. Add Chicken:
Nestle the chicken thighs into the sauce. Ensure they’re mostly covered.
3. Simmer Gently:
Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer uncovered for 35–45 minutes. Flip once halfway through.
4. Broil for Crispy Skin (Optional):
Transfer to a baking sheet and broil skin-side up for 3–4 minutes.
5. Thicken Sauce (Optional):
Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with water and stir into the simmering sauce if you want it thicker.
How Long to Cook Shoyu Chicken for Maximum Flavor
The sweet spot is 40 minutes on a gentle simmer. It lets the sauce penetrate and creates tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.
Sauce Tips: How to Thicken and Customize
- Thicker Sauce? Use cornstarch slurry.
- Sweeter? Add pineapple juice or honey.
- Spicier? Add chili flakes or sriracha.
Optional Garnishes for Presentation
Top with:
- Green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Grilled pineapple wedges
- A drizzle of sauce reduction
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve With Shoyu Chicken
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Hawaiian mac salad
- Lomi lomi salmon
- Pickled cabbage or kimchi
Plate Lunch Style: How Hawaiians Enjoy It
One scoop rice + one scoop mac salad + saucy shoyu chicken = Hawaiian perfection on a plate. It’s affordable, flavorful, and found everywhere from food trucks to family kitchens.
FAQs About Hawaiian Style Shoyu Chicken
Can I use drumsticks or chicken breast?
Yes—drumsticks work well, but breasts may dry out unless marinated ahead.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! It deepens the flavor and reduces cook time.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
What’s the best soy sauce to use?
Aloha Shoyu or Yamasa are authentic options. Go low-sodium if needed.
Does it taste like teriyaki?
It’s similar but more savory and gingery than sweet, sticky teriyaki.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
Hawaiian Style Shoyu Chicken isn’t just another dinner recipe—it’s a bite of island soul. With bold flavors, easy prep, and wide appeal, it deserves a place in your regular rotation. Whether you’re reminiscing about a Hawaiian vacation or exploring new flavors, this recipe brings aloha to the table.
Print
Hawaiian Style Shoyu Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A savory and sweet Hawaiian classic, this shoyu chicken is simmered to perfection in a flavorful soy-based sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 cup mirin (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and mirin.
- Add the chicken thighs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Serve with steamed rice and a side of macaroni salad for an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: shoyu chicken, Hawaiian recipe, soy sauce chicken, easy dinner