My Hawaiian Friend Showed Me This Recipe — It’s Been a House Fave Ever Since!
Every once in a while, you stumble upon a recipe that doesn’t just taste good—it sticks. It becomes one of those go-to dishes that people request again and again, the kind that brings people to the table a little quicker and makes them ask for seconds (or thirds).
This recipe? It’s exactly that.
I first tasted it thanks to my Hawaiian friend, who introduced me to the flavors of the islands in a way I’ll never forget. It was simple, flavorful, and full of that “aloha spirit”—warm, generous, and made to be shared. Ever since that day, it’s been a household favorite in our kitchen. And now, I’m sharing it with you.
The Recipe: Hawaiian-Style Shoyu Chicken
This dish is a local favorite in Hawaii—comforting, saucy, slightly sweet, and absolutely packed with flavor. The chicken is simmered in a savory shoyu (soy sauce) base with garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar until it’s fall-apart tender. It’s traditionally served over rice, soaking up every bit of that irresistible sauce.
🌺 Why You’ll Love It
✅ Super easy to make
✅ Budget-friendly ingredients
✅ Great for meal prep or family dinners
✅ Sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying
✅ It smells amazing while it cooks
🍗 Ingredients
2–3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (boneless also works)
1 cup shoyu (soy sauce) – traditionally Aloha or Kikkoman brand
1 cup water
3/4 cup brown sugar
1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
5 cloves garlic, smashed
1–2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: a splash of rice vinegar or pineapple juice for added tang
👩🍳 How to Make It
1. Combine the Sauce
In a large pot or Dutch oven, mix together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine.
2. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs into the pot, skin-side down. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Simmer Until Tender
Cover and simmer on low for about 40–50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have infused.
4. Optional: Thicken the Sauce
If you like a thicker glaze, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
5. Serve
Serve hot over steamed white rice with a sprinkle of green onions. Add a side of mac salad or pickled veggies for a full Hawaiian plate lunch experience.
🌈 Tips & Variations
Add spice: Toss in a few chili flakes or sliced jalapeños for a kick.
Use an Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
Add veggies: Simmer with carrots, cabbage, or bok choy for extra nutrition.
Make it sweet and sour: Add a splash of pineapple juice to balance the saltiness with tropical sweetness.
