Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Healthy Fact of the Day

Keep the skin on chicken thighs for extra flavor, but remove it before serving to cut down on saturated fat while maintaining that rich, succulent taste.

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken delivers authentic island flavors in a comforting, one-pot dish. Tender chicken thighs slowly braise in a sweet-savory sauce made with shoyu, honey, fresh ginger, and garlic. The result is fall-off-the-bone chicken glazed in a rich, glossy sauce that’s perfect over steamed rice. Pair with a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the sweet-savory profile, or choose a light Pinot Noir whose earthy notes balance the honey and ginger beautifully.

Complete this tropical-inspired meal with Pineapple Chicken and Rice for another Hawaiian favorite that celebrates the islands’ love of sweet and savory combinations. Add Coconut Chicken as a crispy contrast that complements the tender braised textures, or serve alongside Sticky Honey Garlic Pork for an Asian-fusion feast that highlights similar flavor profiles of sweet, salty, and umami-rich ingredients.

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Recipe by Daily Disher

Tender chicken thighs braised in a sweet-savory shoyu sauce with honey, ginger, and garlic—pure island comfort food.

Course: MainCuisine: HawaiianDifficulty: Easy
4.5 from 2 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds chicken thighs

    • 1 cup shoyu (soy sauce)

    • 0.5 cup water

    • 0.5 cup brown sugar

    • 0.25 cup honey

    • 4 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 tbsp grated ginger

    • 0.5 tsp black pepper

    • 2 tbsp cornstarch

    • 2 tbsp water

    Directions

    • In a large pot, combine shoyu, water, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Stir well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
    • Add the chicken thighs to the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in the shoyu mixture.
    • Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the chicken to cook for about 30 minutes.
    • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering chicken, stirring continuously.
    • Continue cooking over low heat for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
    • Remove the pot from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

    Nutrition Facts

    • Total number of serves: 4
    • Calories: 250kcal
    • Cholesterol: 0mg
    • Sodium: 620mg
    • Potassium: 400mg
    • Sugar: 8g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Calcium: 60mg
    • Iron: 2mg

    Can’t get enough of great flavors? Check out these popular recipes that readers love making again and again.

    For Asian-inspired favorites, our Hoison Beef Noodles and Easy and Juicy Huli Huli Chicken deliver those perfect sweet-savory combinations everyone craves. When you’re planning comfort food nights, the Hamburger Steak in Creamy Dill Sauce and Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole bring hearty satisfaction to your table. Need quick weeknight wins? Our Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet and Mediterranean Steak Bowl get dinner done fast without sacrificing flavor.

    Browse our full collection for more kitchen inspiration that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

    4.5 from 2 votes

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    Tip of the Day

    “Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

    Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

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