The aroma of Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Picture succulent chicken marinated in a sweet and savory soy sauce blend, grilled to perfection, with caramelized edges that glisten invitingly. It’s a dish that transports you straight to a tropical paradise, even if you’re just standing in your kitchen wearing fuzzy slippers.
This recipe brings back memories of summer barbecues and family gatherings, where laughter mingles with the sizzling sound of chicken on the grill. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy night in. Trust me; once you take that first bite, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make it again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip this dish up even on busy weeknights
- A tantalizing blend of sweet and savory flavors will leave everyone wanting more
- Its visual appeal makes it a stunning centerpiece for any dinner table
- Versatile enough for grilling or baking, this dish fits every occasion like a glove
I remember the first time I made Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken for my friends; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are juicier than breasts and soak up flavors better. You can use breasts if you prefer.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves because fresh garlic delivers the best flavor and aroma.
Ginger Root: Fresh ginger adds a lovely zing; using pre-minced just doesn’t cut it.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without sacrificing that umami punch.
Brown Sugar: This balances out the saltiness with its rich sweetness, giving your chicken that beautiful glaze.
Sesame Oil: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile—don’t skip it!
Green Onions: They add freshness as a garnish; plus, they look pretty on your plate.
For the Marinade:
Pineapple Juice: Use real juice for an authentic taste; it tenderizes the chicken beautifully while adding sweetness.
Black Pepper: A dash enhances flavor without overwhelming other ingredients—use freshly cracked if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Marinate the Chicken: Start by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth, then add your chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes; longer is better.
Prepare Your Grill or Oven: If you’re grilling outdoors, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For oven cooking, set yours to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with foil for easier cleanup.
Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or baking sheet. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown with those classic grill marks or bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
Add Some Glaze Action!: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush additional marinade over the chicken for extra flavor and glaze. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Garnish and Serve!: Once cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F), remove from heat and let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Enjoy every bite of your Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken as you soak in those tropical vibes!
You Must Know
- Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken is not only flavorful but also a breeze to prepare
- The sweet and savory marinade infuses the chicken with delightful flavors, making it perfect for gatherings
- Plus, its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma will impress your guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours. Sear it in a hot pan before baking to lock in moisture and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different proteins like tofu or pork. Add fresh pineapple for an extra tropical twist that complements the dish beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain tenderness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F internally
- Always let your chicken rest post-cooking to keep it juicy
- Experiment with adding ginger or garlic in your marinade for added depth of flavor
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family barbecues where laughter and delicious food went hand-in-hand.
FAQ
What is Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken?
Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken features a sweet and savory soy sauce-based marinade.
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?
Absolutely! Bone-in pieces add more flavor but may require longer cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F internally for safety.
Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
Description
Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of tropical cuisine. This easy-to-make recipe features juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory soy sauce blend, grilled or baked to perfection. With its caramelized edges and mouthwatering aroma, every bite transports you to a sun-soaked paradise. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this flavorful dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- To marinate the chicken, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with foil if using the oven.
- Grill chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown or bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, brush with extra marinade for added flavor and glaze.
- Once cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F), let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 piece (170g)
- Calories: 308
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 668mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 108mg
