Description

Bring the flavors of the islands straight to your dinner table with this authentic Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken. Perfect for a cozy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory soy sauce mixture. Inspired by Hawaii’s classic plate lunches, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice and vegetables, making it a family favorite. The simple ingredients and easy cooking method make it approachable for home cooks while delivering a truly flavorful experience.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup water
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Steamed white rice, for serving

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight.
For stovetop cooking: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Flip, pour reserved marinade over chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.
For oven baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a baking dish skin-side up, pour marinade over, cover with foil, and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil, baste chicken with sauce, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until caramelized.
Optional: Pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Drizzle over chicken before serving.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite sides.

Notes

Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar or honey to taste.
Pair with traditional sides like steamed rice and macaroni salad, or try sautéed vegetables and roasted potatoes.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes