Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Cook: 45 min Cuisine: Hawaiian

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken features tender chicken simmered in a savory soy sauce and ginger marinade, perfect for casual gatherings and lovers of flavorful, Asian-inspired comfort food.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb. chicken pieces
  • 3/4 c. shoyu (soy sauce)
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 c. water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 piece ginger, crushed

Instructions

  1. Heat shoyu and water in a pot.
  2. When hot, add sugar and stir until dissolved.
  3. Add minced garlic, crushed ginger, and chicken pieces; cook over medium heat.
  4. Simmer until chicken is tender, about 45 minutes.
  5. Stir occasionally to ensure chicken browns evenly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a slightly different flavor, consider substituting half of the shoyu with teriyaki sauce for added sweetness. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut chicken pieces. To enhance the dish, add sliced green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish. This Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is also great for meal prep; just ensure to simmer it long enough for the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken over steamed rice for a classic pairing. It complements a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad nicely. For a complete meal, consider adding a tropical fruit salsa or pickled vegetables to brighten the dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with Chicken A La Noel for a delightful feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it, but cover it to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken contains roughly 387 calories, with 12g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 642mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

387 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.6g 23% DV
Total Fat 7g 9% DV
Carbs 77.9g 28% DV
Fiber 14.2g 51% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 641.7mg 28% DV
Potassium 844.5mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 16.5mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.5mcg
Vitamin C 107mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 133.5mg 10% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time as boneless pieces will cook faster. Ensure they are cooked through before serving. Boneless thighs or breasts will work well and remain juicy.

What is shoyu, and can I substitute it?

Shoyu is a Japanese soy sauce that adds a rich umami flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular soy sauce, though it may be slightly saltier. Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors if using regular soy sauce.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For slow cooker preparation, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender. This method enhances the flavors even further.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Chicken recipes → All recipes →