Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii to your dining table. This recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory soy sauce mixture, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its sweet and salty taste, combined with the rich aroma of garlic and ginger, makes this dish not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Dish: The blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that suits any palate.
• Family-Friendly Recipe: This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners.
• One-Pan Cooking: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time after the meal.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken requires minimal tools, making it accessible for any home cook.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 12-inch skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 12-inch skillet: This large skillet allows even cooking of the chicken thighs while providing enough space for the sauce to simmer effectively.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the sauce ingredients before adding them to the chicken, ensuring all flavors meld together.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing sauces smoothly without lumps, particularly when combining cornstarch with water.

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

For Thickening the Sauce

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For Serving

• Prepared rice for serving

How to Make Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, onion, ginger, oregano, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 3: Simmer Until Cooked Through

Cook the chicken for about 20 minutes. Turn it over once halfway through cooking to ensure even flavor absorption.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with about 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture back into the skillet with leftover sauce. Whisk well and cook until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and turn it gently in the thickened sauce until fully coated. Serve hot over prepared rice. Enjoy your flavorful Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken!

How to Serve Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Serving Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is all about creating a delicious and satisfying meal experience. This dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: The classic choice, steamed rice absorbs the sauce perfectly.
• Brown Rice: A healthier option with a nuttier flavor, great for adding fiber.
• Fried Rice: For an extra kick, serve it atop fried rice seasoned with vegetables.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Greens: Quick-cooked bok choy or spinach adds freshness and color.
• Roasted Broccoli: Crispy roasted broccoli complements the savory chicken well.
• Pickled Vegetables: A tangy side like pickled cucumbers can balance the dish’s sweetness.

As a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with shoyu chicken for a fun twist.
• Tortilla Wraps: Flour or corn tortillas can encase the chicken for a flavorful handheld meal.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

To ensure your Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken sit in the sauce for at least 30 minutes deepens the flavor.
• Control Heat Carefully: Start on medium heat; avoid high temperatures that could burn the sauce.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preferences.
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Make sure to whisk the cornstarch slurry well for a smooth sauce consistency.
• Turn Chicken Once Only: Avoid flipping too often to allow for even cooking and flavor absorption.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Fried Rice: Fluffy rice stir-fried with garlic and green onions enhances flavors wonderfully.
2. Miso Soup: A light and comforting soup that complements the savory chicken without overwhelming it.
3. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crunchy, this salad adds a cool contrast to warm chicken.
4. Grilled Pineapple: The sweetness of grilled pineapple brings out the best in shoyu chicken’s flavors.
5. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy mash provides a deliciously sweet counterbalance to savory notes.
6. Coleslaw: Crunchy slaw adds texture and tanginess, making it a perfect side for this dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in a less flavorful dish. Make sure to let the chicken sit in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Using regular soy sauce: High sodium soy sauce can overwhelm the flavors. Always opt for low sodium soy sauce to maintain balance.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for about 20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Neglecting to thicken the sauce: A watery sauce can detract from the dish’s appeal. Use cornstarch properly to create a thick, rich sauce.
• Not adjusting for sweetness: If you find your sauce too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or citrus juice for balance. Taste and adjust as necessary.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The dish will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

• Place cooled shoyu chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth and warm the chicken, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a popular dish made with chicken thighs simmered in a savory soy sauce mixture that combines sweet and salty flavors.

How do I serve Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?

Serve Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken over rice for a complete meal, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, while boneless skinless thighs are preferred, you can also use drumsticks or bone-in pieces; just adjust cook time accordingly.

Is Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add chili flakes or Sriracha for some heat if desired.

How long does it take to cook Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?

The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, including preparation and simmering time.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli into the mix for added nutrition and flavor options!