Hawaiian Garlic Soy-Simmered Chicken
Experience the flavors of Hawaii with this delightful garlic soy-simmered chicken. It’s a sweet and savory dish that's perfect for any dinner night. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering glaze over tender chicken thighs, making it the ideal comfort food. Best prepared in a slow cooker for a worry-free meal, this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it's a family meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to shine.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown sugar
3/4 cup (none)
vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
soy sauce
3/4 cup (none)
ginger
1 teaspoon (grated)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
water
1 1/2 cups (none)
skinless chicken thighs
8-12 pieces (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and water. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2
Arrange the chicken thighs at the bottom of a crock pot, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
3
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
4
Set the crock pot to cook on low heat for approximately six hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken remains coated with the sauce.
5
Once cooked to perfection, serve the chicken warm with a side of your choice, garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaiian Garlic Soy-Simmered Chicken?
It is a sweet and savory dish featuring chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful glaze made of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 5 servings.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 to 12 pieces of skinless chicken thighs.
How long does the chicken cook in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be cooked on low heat for approximately six hours.
What are the main ingredients in the sauce?
The sauce is a combination of brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and water.
Do I need to sear the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
No, the instructions indicate to arrange the chicken thighs directly at the bottom of the crock pot.
How much brown sugar is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of brown sugar for the sauce.
Should the ginger be fresh?
The recipe recommends using 1 teaspoon of grated ginger for the best flavor.
What kind of garlic is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Is it necessary to stir the chicken while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to ensure the chicken remains evenly coated with the sauce.
What are some recommended garnishes for this dish?
Chopped green onions or sesame seeds make excellent garnishes for added flavor and presentation.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While the recipe specifies thighs for tenderness, you can use breasts, though you may need to adjust the cooking time to prevent drying.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
This dish has a sweet and savory flavor profile with aromatic notes of garlic and ginger.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of soy sauce.
Do I need to add water to the sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of water to help create the simmering liquid.
Can I make this if I don't have a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker is recommended for a 'worry-free' meal, it can be adapted for a stovetop simmer on low heat.
What type of vinegar should I use?
A standard white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well to provide the necessary 1/2 cup of acidity.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the sweet and savory nature of the soy glaze makes it a popular choice for family meals.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your crock pot is large enough to hold the extra chicken and sauce without overflowing.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, the tender chicken and rich glaze make it an ideal comfort food.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine the brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and water in a large mixing bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
While not in the original recipe, carrots or bell peppers could be added to cook along with the chicken.
How much garlic should I mince?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
It is traditionally served with white rice or a side of steamed vegetables.
Should the chicken be skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifies skinless chicken thighs for the best texture in a slow cooker.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to combine the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
Can I use bone-in thighs?
Yes, you can use bone-in thighs, though the recipe generally assumes boneless for ease of serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Why is this called Hawaiian chicken?
It is inspired by Hawaiian flavors like 'shoyu' chicken, which typically uses a soy and sugar base.