Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the bold flavors of the islands right to your table. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory soy sauce blend, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that will impress family and friends alike. The balance of sweet and salty flavors makes this dish unique and incredibly satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a rich flavor profile that enhances the chicken.
• Versatile: This Hawaiian chicken dish can be served over rice, noodles, or even in a salad for a lighter option.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty one-pan meal, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Healthy Option: Made with boneless skinless chicken thighs, this recipe offers lean protein while being low in sodium.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A large bowl
• A 12-inch skillet
• A whisk
• A small bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Bowl: Ideal for mixing all your ingredients together efficiently.
• 12-inch Skillet: Provides ample space for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing room for the sauce to reduce.
• Whisk: Essential for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

To Thicken the Sauce

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For Serving

• Prepared rice

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How to Make Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, light brown sugar, water, minced garlic, chopped onion, grated ginger, dried oregano, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a 12-inch skillet. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over them. Turn the stove to medium heat. Bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer Until Cooked Through

Cook the chicken thighs for about 20 minutes. Be sure to turn them once halfway through cooking to ensure they are evenly cooked.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with about 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry back into the skillet with your sauce mixture. Whisk until combined and cook until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Coat Chicken in Sauce

Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Turn them gently to coat fully in the thickened sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot over prepared rice for an authentic Hawaiian dining experience! Enjoy this flavorful Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken with your loved ones.

How to Serve Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a deliciously savory dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serving it right can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to consider.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination that soaks up the flavorful sauce.

With Grilled Pineapple

• Add grilled pineapple slices on the side to bring a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory chicken.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in fresh lettuce leaves with your choice of toppings like chopped scallions or sesame seeds.

Accompanied by Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with a mix of stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and nutritious addition to your plate.

Topped with Green Onions

• Garnish the dish with sliced green onions for added freshness and a pop of color that enhances presentation.

As Part of a Rice Bowl

• Create a rice bowl with Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken as the centerpiece, topped with avocado slices and drizzled with extra sauce for flavor.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Making Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is easy, but there are ways to ensure it’s absolutely delicious. Follow these tips for perfect results every time.

• Choose quality chicken thighs: Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor.
• Marinate for extra flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance its taste.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce: This helps control sodium levels while still providing rich flavor.
• Monitor cooking time: Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe and juicy.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preferences for sweetness.
• Serve hot: Enjoy the dish immediately after cooking for optimal taste and texture.

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Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

To complement your Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken, consider these delightful side dishes. Each option adds something special and rounds out your meal beautifully.

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs makes an excellent pairing.
2. Miso Soup: This warm soup provides a comforting balance to the savory chicken.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and texture that contrasts nicely with the chicken’s richness.
4. Macaroni Salad: A classic Hawaiian side that brings creaminess and a bit of tanginess to your plate.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the savory flavors perfectly.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection adds smoky notes that enhance this dish’s tropical vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken even better.

• Using regular soy sauce: This can make the dish too salty. Always opt for low sodium soy sauce to balance flavors.
• Not marinating the chicken: Skipping this step can lead to less flavor. Allow the chicken to soak in the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: This can result in dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Ignoring the sauce thickness: A runny sauce may not coat the chicken well. Use cornstarch mixed with water for a perfect glaze.
• Forgetting about sides: Serving it plain may miss an opportunity for flavor. Serve your Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken over rice or with vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 20 minutes, covered, until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through until warm, usually about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Place chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken.

What is Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken thighs cooked in a soy sauce-based mixture. It’s typically served over rice.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, while thighs are preferred for juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts or drumsticks if desired.

How spicy is Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?

This recipe is not spicy but has a sweet and savory profile. For heat, consider adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the skillet, or change herbs according to your preference.

What should I serve with Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. You can customize it with different sides or veggies. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its rich flavors!