Aloha Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken
Aloha Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian comfort food that beautifully fuses Asian culinary traditions. This dish features succulent chicken thighs, poached in a rich, savory-sweet sauce made from Hawaiian Shoyu, brown sugar, garlic, and fresh ginger. The distinctive sweetness and umami depth of Hawaiian Shoyu provide a delightful twist that's sure to please your palate. As you simmer the chicken, your kitchen will be filled with tantalizing aromas, making it impossible to resist. Whether you're enjoying this dish with fluffy rice or a side of creamy macaroni salad, Aloha Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Remember, the flavors only get better as they meld together overnight, making this dish a splendid choice for meal prep as well!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thigh
1 lb (bone-in, skin-on)
chicken broth
1 cup (n/a)
Hawaiian Shoyu (soy sauce)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (n/a)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (n/a)
garlic cloves
4 (peeled and smashed)
ginger
3 inches (sliced 1/8 to 1/16 inch thick)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (dissolved in 1-2 tablespoons water, to make a slurry)
green onion
1-2 (to garnish, sliced)
toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (to garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the chicken thighs, chicken broth, Hawaiian Shoyu, brown sugar, smashed garlic cloves, and sliced ginger.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Make sure to skim any fat or impurities from the surface of the broth during cooking.
3
Once the chicken is ready, carefully remove it from the pot and transfer it to a serving platter.
4
Strain the sauce from the pot into a separate saucepan, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and slowly drizzle this into the bubbling sauce while stirring to avoid clumps. Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5
Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken on the serving platter, allowing it to soak in deliciously.
6
Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an added flavor and visual appeal.
7
For the fullest experience, serve with steamed rice, and don’t forget a side of Hawaiian macaroni salad. Leftovers are even more delicious the next day!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aloha Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?
It is a beloved Hawaiian comfort food that features chicken thighs poached in a savory-sweet sauce made from Hawaiian Shoyu, brown sugar, garlic, and fresh ginger.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most succulent and flavorful results.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What makes Hawaiian Shoyu different from regular soy sauce?
Hawaiian Shoyu typically has a distinctive sweetness and umami depth that provides a unique twist compared to standard soy sauces.
How long does the chicken need to simmer?
The chicken should simmer gently for about 30 to 35 minutes until it is tender and cooked through.
How do I thicken the Shoyu sauce?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then slowly drizzle it into the boiling sauce while stirring.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors actually get better as they meld together overnight, making it a great choice for meal prep.
What should I serve with Shoyu Chicken?
It is traditionally served with steamed white rice and a side of creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad.
How should I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
The 4 garlic cloves should be peeled and smashed before adding them to the pot.
How should the ginger be sliced?
The ginger should be sliced approximately 1/8 to 1/16 inch thick.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds are used to add flavor and visual appeal.
Is it necessary to skim the broth?
Yes, you should skim any fat or impurities from the surface of the broth during the cooking process for a cleaner sauce.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While you can use breasts, thighs are preferred because they remain juicy and tender during the simmering process.
What is the ratio of Shoyu to sugar?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of Shoyu and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
Does the chicken need to be browned before simmering?
No, the chicken is poached directly in the mixture of broth, Shoyu, sugar, and aromatics.
How much ginger is required?
The recipe calls for a 3-inch piece of ginger.
What is the purpose of the chicken broth in this recipe?
The 1 cup of chicken broth serves as the poaching liquid and forms the base of the savory sauce.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless thighs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook faster than bone-in pieces.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe focuses on savory and sweet flavors from the Shoyu, brown sugar, and aromatics.
How do I avoid clumps when adding cornstarch?
Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in water first to create a slurry, and whisk it continuously as you add it to the bubbling sauce.
Should I remove the chicken before thickening the sauce?
Yes, transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter first, then strain and thicken the sauce in a separate saucepan.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: chicken thighs, broth, Shoyu, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, green onions, and sesame seeds.
Can I substitute brown sugar?
Brown sugar provides a deep molasses flavor, but you can substitute with honey or white sugar if necessary, though the flavor profile will change.
Is this dish considered Asian fusion?
Yes, it is a Hawaiian dish that beautifully fuses Asian culinary traditions.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave; adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the thickened sauce.
Can I freeze Aloha Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Ensure it is cooled completely and stored in an airtight container.
What if I don't have toasted sesame seeds?
You can use raw sesame seeds and lightly toast them in a dry pan for a minute, or omit them if unavailable.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, covering the pot helps maintain a gentle simmer and keeps the chicken moist.
How much cornstarch is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
What is the total cooking time?
The simmering takes 30-35 minutes, plus a few additional minutes for thickening the sauce and preparation.