This shoyu chicken is known for being a popular Hawaiian dish that cooks or soaks the chicken in soy sauce. Shoyu means soy sauce in Japanese. The shoyu is like a marinade of soy sauce with other ingredients that the chicken will absorb and become juicy and tender when cooking. It is a rich and savory flavor that kids to adults love! Making shoyu chicken is a simple recipe that doesn’t take long to prepare. Shoyu chicken is not traditionally grilled or even baked. It is simmered in shoyu sauce. This can be done on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or a Crockpot. The basic idea is the same for each method but I have slightly different ways of cooking it. This is a great chicken recipe to share with your friends and family!
Ingredients in Shoyu Chicken
The shoyu chicken ingredients are similar to a marinade that will soak and infuse the chicken giving it a lasting flavor and deliciousness while being cooked. Combine these pantry staple ingredients to make a savory and slightly sweet chicken dish!
Chicken thighs – You can use bone-in, skin-on (our favorite), or boneless, skinless thighs. Chicken breasts will be too dry and won’t turn out as good. Trust me, stick with the thighs! Soy sauce – Kikkoman soy sauce or Aloha shoyu is what is most often used in Hawaii. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer. Sugar – Just plain, white sugar for sweetness. Some recipes call for brown sugar, but brown sugar makes it too sweet and doesn’t taste as authentic. Water – A little bit of water will help tone down the bold flavors and keep the sauce from thickening too quickly. Most of it will evaporate out when the sauce is reduced. You could use chicken broth in place of water for extra flavor. Garlic and ginger – Both of these are a must with shoyu sauce! They both add a delicious flavor and spice that make this sauce over the top. Red pepper flakes – Just for a little kick. Garnish – Sesame seeds and green onions are fun garnish options.
How to Cook Shoyu Chicken on the Stove Top
This is the preferred method that I would recommend for cooking shoyu chicken. It is simple to make on the stovetop and cooks in less than an hour. Perfect for those busy nights at home!
Instant Pot Method
Always a great option when needing to make a quick and easy dinner! Instant pot meals are a faster way to deliver a meal and still will come out tender and juicy. It is a great option for cooking this shoyu chicken!
Crockpot Shoyu Chicken Method
Let this shoyu chicken crockpot simmer all day with the smells wafting in your home! Throw everything in the slow cooker and let the shoyu and chicken slowly cook together. It is the perfect dinner to come home to!
Tips for a Successful Shoyu Chicken Recipe
These quick and helpful tips are the perfect way to make shoyu chicken recipe the best! Learn how to make sweet and savory shoyu chicken with a few extra steps. It is a simple recipe that everyone loves!
Marinating – If you have the time to marinate for 24 hours, that would be best. Let the chicken soak in and absorb the rich flavors from the shoyu sauce. Chicken cuts – Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs are commonly used for shoyu chicken. If you prefer skinless chicken breasts that will work too. Browning – This is a bonus! Brown your chicken before cooking it or simmering it in the shoyu sauce. This will give your chicken a crispy outside with tender and juicy meat on the inside. Spicy – We do like a little heat in on top and mixed in. Try it with red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for extra spicy.
What to Serve with Traditional Shoyu Chicken
Shoyu chicken is a common plate lunch item in Hawaii. It is often served along with white rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad or mac salad, and sometimes shredded cabbage or coleslaw. It can also be served as a “mixed plate” with other meats such as teriyaki beef, Kalua pork, grilled chicken teriyaki, or even cooked spam (don’t knock it til you try it)!
Meal Prep and Storing Shoyu Chicken
This shoyu chicken is perfect for meal prepping for the week! It is so easy to make and freeze for another dinner later on or store leftovers in the fridge. The shoyu chicken only gets better with time. Each day the flavors are melding together to add more flavor to the chicken!
Meal prep – Make a few batches at once and place the chicken into separate containers. Add in rice and Hawaiian mac for a complete meal. Store in the refrigerator all week. Enjoy each day for lunch! Freezing – Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place the shoyu chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for a month. When ready to reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Leftovers – Place the leftover shoyu chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to reheat, cook in the microwave or in the oven until it is warmed through.
More Hawaiian Recipes
Can’t get enough authentic Hawaiian recipes? Neither can we. We love the authentic flavors and traditional recipes they share. Here are some more of our favorites!
How to Make Shoyu Chicken
Shoyu Ramen
Chicken Foil Packets
Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Instant Pot Goulash
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