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Hawaiian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and cultural influences, deeply rooted in the islands' rich traditions. One dish that encapsulates this culinary heritage is Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken, a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements that transports your taste buds to the tropics with every bite. This dish, with its aromatic marinade and succulent chicken, offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Experience a taste of the tropics with this delicious Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken recipe! Marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, this dish is bursting with flavor. Perfectly grilled or baked to juicy perfection, it’s easy to make and sure to impress. Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, and serve alongside steamed rice for a meal that feels like a tropical getaway. Ideal for family dinners or BBQs!

Ingredients
  

2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup rice vinegar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well combined.

    Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

      Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a stovetop grill pan or bake the chicken in the oven.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.

          Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

            If using the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake the marinated chicken in a greased baking dish for 30-35 minutes, or until fully cooked, basting occasionally with the marinade.

              Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice if desired, then garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

                Serve warm alongside steamed rice and a fresh side salad or your favorite vegetables. Enjoy your tropical Hawaiian feast!

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 2 hrs 45 min (includes marinating time) | Servings: 4-6