Imagine sitting down to a plate of Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken, the sweet and savory aromas wafting through the air like a warm embrace from a tropical island. The tender chicken, glazed in a rich soy sauce blend, brings a delightful balance of flavors that make your taste buds dance. Each bite is a reminder that sometimes, the best meals come with a side of sunshine.

This dish isn’t just about flavor; it evokes memories of family gatherings and summer barbecues where laughter fills the air. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved dinner. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience that will transport you straight to Hawaii!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The deliciously marinated chicken offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that everyone will love
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for grilling, baking, or even slow cooking!
Every time I make this dish, my friends and family rave about how amazing it tastes and ask for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These juicy thighs stay tender during cooking and soak up the marinade beautifully.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This helps keep the dish flavorful without being overly salty—trust me on this one!
Brown Sugar: It adds that perfect touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic for an aromatic punch that elevates the dish’s flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a bright kick; you could also use ground ginger if that’s all you have.
Scallions: These add freshness and color as a garnish—plus, they’re fun to chop.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle brings depth and nuttiness to your marinade.
Pineapple Juice: This ingredient adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Black Pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper rounds out all those wonderful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
The Marinade Magic: Start by mixing together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, pineapple juice, and sesame oil in a bowl until well combined. You want it to smell sweet yet savory—like a tropical vacation in liquid form.
Prep Your Chicken: Place your chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over them and seal or cover tightly. Let them soak in all that goodness for at least 30 minutes—though longer is even better if you can wait!
The Cooking Adventure Begins: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If grilling, lightly oil grate to prevent sticking. For baking, line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Grilling Time!: If you’re using the grill, place marinated chicken on the hot grate. Cook each side for about 6-8 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Enjoy watching those lovely grill marks form!
Baking Option Available!: If you prefer baking instead of grilling, arrange your marinated chicken in a single layer on your prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
The Final Touches: Once cooked through, remove from heat and let your chicken rest for about five minutes. This lets those juices redistribute so every bite is succulent. Slice it up if desired and serve garnished with scallions.
Now sit back and enjoy your Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken alongside some rice or grilled veggies!
In this delightful dish lies not only tasty goodness but also memories waiting to be created around your dining table—a true celebration of flavors that can bring anyone together!
You Must Know
- This Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken brings tropical vibes to your kitchen, with its sweet and savory flavors
- The marinade tenderizes the chicken beautifully, ensuring a juicy bite every time
- Perfect for outdoor barbecuing or a cozy dinner, it will transport you to an island paradise
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours. Sear it on high heat for a crispy exterior before simmering in the sauce until tender and infused with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out soy sauce for tamari to make this dish gluten-free. You can add pineapple chunks or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through to keep it juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate overnight if possible; this enhances the shoyu chicken experience significantly
- Always allow the chicken to rest after cooking; it helps retain moisture and tenderness
- Don’t skip searing; it creates that delicious caramelized crust we all love!
Cooking this Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken reminds me of my first backyard barbecue. Friends devoured every bite while I pretended I was a seasoned chef!
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs are great for this recipe and cook faster too.
How spicy is Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken?
This dish is mild but you can add chili flakes for some heat!
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
Serve it with rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken
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- Author: Clara Rosewood
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Experience the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this easy-to-make Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken. This dish features tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Perfect for family dinners or summer barbecues, each bite offers a taste of paradise that will transport you straight to the islands.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Black pepper to taste
- Sliced scallions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, pineapple juice, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover tightly and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F) or oven to bake.
- For grilling: Cook marinated chicken on the grill for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For baking: Arrange chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving garnished with scallions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg