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Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe

The Crispy Chef
This easy and delicious Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors that’ll transport you straight to the islands. Made with a rich soy-based marinade, this dish delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hawaiian
Servings 4
Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Zip-top bag or dish for marinating
  • Oven/grill/skillet
  • Saucepan (optional, for reducing sauce)

Ingredients
  

  • For the Marinade:
  • 1 cup shoyu Japanese soy sauce or regular soy sauce
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar dark or light
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • For the Chicken:
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on preferred
  • Sesame seeds optional garnish
  • Extra green onions sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Make the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together shoyu, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and pineapple juice until sugar dissolves.
  • Marinate: Place chicken in a zip-top bag or dish. Pour marinade over chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight preferred).
  • Bake (Option 1): Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken and marinade in baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes or until internal temp is 165°F, basting every 15 minutes.
  • Grill (Option 2): Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken 6–7 mins per side. Brush with marinade but stop before the final few minutes to avoid burning.
  • Stovetop (Option 3): Heat oil in skillet over medium. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  • Optional Glaze: Simmer leftover (untouched) marinade in a saucepan to reduce into a glaze.

Notes

You can use drumsticks or a whole cut-up chicken instead of thighs.
For a spicier version, add sriracha or sambal oelek to the marinade.
Pineapple chunks added during baking add sweetness and texture.
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, mac salad, or pickled veggies.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 30gFat: 25g
Keyword Hawaiian chicken, Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken
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