Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken: Juicy, Tender, and Fall-Apart!
Shoyu Chicken is a one-of-a-kind local Hawaiian-style dish featuring tender, fall-apart chicken simmered in a savory-sweet sauce made with shoyu (soy sauce), sugar, ginger, and garlic.
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What is Shoyu Chicken?
Shoyu Chicken is one of my top comfort food recipes I grew up with in Hawaii. It is super easy and quick to make for dinner. This recipe refers to bone-in chicken, typically thighs or drumsticks, simmered in a shoyu (soy sauce) base sauce.
The slow cooking results in tender, juicy chicken infused with a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. This dish is usually served with rice and a side of mac salad.
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Where can you find Shoyu Chicken?
You can find Shoyu Chicken at many local Hawaiian eateries, plate lunch spots, and food trucks across Hawai‘i. Some popular places include:
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue – A well-known chain offering plate lunches with shoyu chicken.
- Zippy’s – A classic local diner-style restaurant serving Hawaiian comfort food.
What are the ingredients for Shoyu Chicken?
The key ingredients for Shoyu Chicken are:
Using honey adds a natural sweetness and enhances the sauce’s thickness, giving the chicken a glossy, caramelized finish.
Suggested ingredients
Most of these ingredients can easily be found in your local grocery store! But if you would like some suggested brands to use, here are some you can order online:
How do you make Shoyu Chicken?
To make Shoyu Chicken is really simple. Here are the steps to create this onolicious dish:
- Prepare the chicken by pat drying it with a paper towel. It will help absorb more flavor while cooking.
- Heat a large pot or deep pan over medium-high heat. Combine shoyu, brown sugar, honey, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir to dissolve the sugar and honey.
- Add the chicken to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the chicken simmer for 30-45 minutes. Take the chicken out and set aside.
- Optional – Remove the chicken and place on a baking sheet. Broil chicken in the oven at 500 Degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes or until the chicken skin has become crispy.
- Uncover the pot and let the sauce reduce over high heat for 5 minutes.
- Plate the chicken over rice, pour sauce over, and garnish with green onions.
Are there similar recipes?
If you are looking for pork recipes like Shoyu Chicken, try these out:
Tips & FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are the best choice for maximum flavor and tenderness. However, boneless thighs or even chicken breasts can work if adjusted for cooking time.
What type of shoyu (soy sauce) is best?
Aloha Shoyu and Kikkoman are the most commonly used brands in Hawaiian cooking. Aloha Shoyu is slightly sweeter and less salty, while Kikkoman has a deeper umami flavor.
Can I make Shoyu Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
For a thicker sauce, you can:
- Let it simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to reduce.
- Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir until thickened.
Can I freeze Shoyu Chicken?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container with some sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Recipe Video:
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Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken
Ingredients
- 6-8 pieces chicken thigh, bone-in, skin-on
- ¾ cup shoyu (soy sauce)
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 inch crushed ginger
- 4 crushed garlic
- 4 stalks green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chickens by pat drying it with a paper towel. It will help absorb more flavor while cooking.
- Heat a large pot or deep pan over medium-high heat. Combine shoyu, water, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Stir to dissolve the sugar and honey.
- Add the chicken to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the chicken simmer for 30-45 minutes. Take the chicken out and set aside.
- Optional – Remove the chicken and place on a baking sheet. Broil chicken in the oven at 500℉ for 4-5 minutes or until the chicken skin has become crispy.
- Uncover the pot and let the sauce reduce over high heat for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Plate the chicken over rice, pour sauce over, and garnish with green onions. Enjoy this onolicious Shoyu Chicken!
