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Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

This Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a sweet and savory island-style dish that's finger-licking good! Made with juicy bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a soy, ginger, and garlic glaze, then oven-baked until sticky and caramelized, this easy recipe captures the heart of Hawaiian comfort food. Serve it over fluffy rice or with grilled pineapple for a tropical weeknight dinner that brings serious flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • ½ yellow onion minced
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken:In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, onion, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight for best flavor (or at least 2 hours).
  2. Prepare to Bake:Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish and pour the leftover marinade over the top.
  3. Bake Until Tender:Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened into a sticky glaze.
  4. Garnish and Serve:Plate the chicken and spoon over the thickened glaze. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot with white rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh green salad.

Notes

  • Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, let the chicken sit overnight in the marinade. The longer it soaks, the deeper the taste.
  • Use Boneless Thighs: You can substitute boneless thighs for quicker cooking—reduce the bake time to around 25 minutes.
  • Grill Option: This chicken can also be grilled for a slightly smoky flavor—just brush it with the thickened marinade as it cooks.
  • Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to bring up the heat level.