Description
Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish inspired by Hawaiian barbecue. Made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, this easy sheet pan dinner caramelizes beautifully in the oven, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering, this dish pairs well with rice, macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
- ½ yellow onion (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, onion, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil for easy cleanup and arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in the dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
- Bake the chicken: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you prefer a caramelized glaze, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the thickened sauce from the baking dish over the chicken for extra flavor. Serve with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple.
Notes
- For extra tenderness: If you have time, marinate for up to 24 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
- For a thicker sauce: Simmer the leftover marinade in a saucepan for a few minutes until it reduces into a glaze.
- For grilling instead of baking: Cook over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For a spicier kick: Add ½ teaspoon of sriracha or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 189 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 426 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 107 mg