Savory Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken in One Pot for Busy Nights

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

The sizzle of chicken thighs in a hot skillet always brings a sense of excitement to my kitchen. Today, I m sharing a delicious twist on a classic favorite: Easy One-Pot Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something packed with flavor but don t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The rich aroma of ginger and garlic wafting through the air is just the beginning.

Imagine tender chicken thighs bathed in a glossy, sweet-savory soy glaze, creating a dish that feels like a tropical getaway on your dinner table. You ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, all in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for new flavors, this Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken will win over your family and elevate dinner beyond fast food. Let s dive into this flavorful journey together!

Why is Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken a Must-Try?

Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal prep and just one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Aromatic Delight: The enticing blend of ginger and garlic creates a mouthwatering scent that fills your kitchen.

Flavor Fusion: With its sweet-savory soy glaze, this dish captures the essence of tropical flavors in every bite.

Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won t resist the juicy chicken thighs, making this a surefire hit for everyone.

Quick Cooking: In under 30 minutes, you can serve a delicious meal that s healthier than takeout, saving time for what truly matters.

Culinary Adventure: Bring a taste of Hawaii to your home with this delightful dish, inspiring your culinary repertoire!

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Ingredients

• For the Chicken
  Neutral Oil Essential for cooking; vegetable or canola oil works too.
  Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs (2 lbs) Adds richness and flavor; boneless, skinless thighs are a lighter option.
• For the Seasoning
  Kosher Salt (1 tsp) Enhances flavor; adjust for low-sodium diets.
  Ginger (2-inch piece, peeled and sliced) Adds aromatic warmth for the sauce.
  Garlic (3 cloves, sliced) Infuses depth and flavor that complements the chicken.
• For the Sauce
  Light Brown Sugar ( ½ cup / 107 g) Balances the salty soy flavor; coconut sugar can be a healthier swap.
  Reduced-sodium Soy Sauce ( ½ cup, preferably Aloha) A key component for authentic flavor; opt for low-sodium for a healthier dish.
  Water ( ½ cup + 1 Tbsp, divided) Adjusts the sauce consistency perfectly.
  Cornstarch (2 tsp) Thickens the sauce to create a delightful coating on the chicken.
• For Garnish
  Scallion (optional, sliced) Adds a fresh touch and finish to your dish.

By using these ingredients, you ll create a vibrant, mouthwatering Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken that will transport you straight to the islands with every bite!

How to Make Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

1. Heat Oil: Start by heating a tablespoon of neutral oil in a cold skillet over medium heat. This allows the fat to render from the chicken skin, ensuring a golden, crispy finish.
2. Cook Chicken: Place 2 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, until the skin is beautifully browned and crispy.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Once golden brown, remove the chicken from the skillet. In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and aromatic.
4. Prepare Sauce: Stir in ½ cup of light brown sugar, ½ cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce, and ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon of water. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and everything combines beautifully.
5. Simmer Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, cooking until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens beautifully.
6. Thicken Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a little of the remaining water, then stir this mixture into the skillet. Cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Serve your Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken hot, garnished with sliced scallions if desired. This will add a lovely touch of freshness!

Optional: Pair with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own, enhancing flavors and textures that suit your taste!

• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken thighs for tofu, marinating it in soy sauce for added flavor. This transformation keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
• Sweet & Spicy: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a touch of heat. This kick brings a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of a lime or orange into the sauce for a refreshing twist. The citrus will brighten the flavors and elevate the dish to new heights.
• Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh basil or cilantro towards the end of cooking for an additional herbal note. The freshness will add layers of complexity and a burst of flavor.
• Noodle Delight: Instead of serving with rice, try mixing in cooked noodles during the last few minutes of simmering. The noodles will soak up the sauce, turning it into a comforting one-pot meal.
• Nutty Crunch: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts just before serving. This adds a delightful crunch while enhancing the Asian-inspired flavors.
• Mellow Vegetables: Add thinly sliced carrots or green beans during the simmering stage. These vegetables will soften beautifully and add color, making your dish even more vibrant.
• Reduced Sugar: For a healthier option, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute with honey. Your taste buds will still enjoy a balanced sweet-savory experience!

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

• Start Cold: Begin in a cold skillet to allow the chicken skin to render fat, resulting in a perfectly crispy texture.
• Leave it Alone: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for the first few minutes; this helps achieve optimal browning and prevents sticking.
• Check Heat: If the chicken sticks to the pan, ensure it s adequately heated before adding oil and meat calm cooking leads to better results.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your preferences, making your Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken as sweet or savory as you like.
• Add Veggies: For a nutritious boost, try tossing in sliced bell peppers or snap peas during simmering to enhance flavor and color.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?

Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement this savory one-pot dish.

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture soaks up the glossy sauce, making each bite even more satisfying. A classic pairing that s essential!
• Garlic Stir-Fried Greens: Incorporating sautéed bok choy or spinach adds a vibrant, crunchy element, balancing the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Mango Salsa: This refreshing side provides a sweet, tangy contrast, cutting through the savory notes of the dish. It s a tropical twist that enhances every bite.
• Coconut Rice: Creamy and subtly sweet, this aromatic rice choice brings a unique tropical flair that echoes the flavors of Hawaii.
• Sesame-Cucumber Salad: Light and crisp, this salad introduces a refreshing crunch that beautifully offsets the tender chicken. Its zesty dressing adds brightness to your plate.
• Pineapple Fried Rice: Adding a fruity touch, this dish combines sweet pineapple with savory flavors for a delicious twist that mirrors the chicken s tropical essence.

Each side not only complements Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken but also brings together textures and flavors, creating a memorable meal that takes you on a culinary journey!

How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before sealing.

Freezer: If you want to freeze Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Remember to label with the date!

Reheating: Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in a microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Reheating Tip: For the best texture, reheat on a skillet instead of a microwave to regain the crispiness of the chicken skin!

Make Ahead Options

These Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken preparations are fantastic for meal prep aficionados! You can marinate the chicken thighs in the soy sauce mixture, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar up to 24 hours in advance to allow the flavors to deepen. Just cover the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate until you re ready to cook. Additionally, you can pre-slice the garlic and ginger to streamline the cooking process. When it s time to serve, simply heat oil in your skillet, brown the chicken as instructed, and continue with the cooking steps. Prepping ahead helps save time and ensures you enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that is just as flavorful as when made fresh!

Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal because they add richness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs can be used, but you ll need to reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool down completely before sealing it to maintain its moisture.

Can I freeze Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken?
Definitely! To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring to label it with the date. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What if my sauce isn t thickening?
Very! If your sauce isn t thickening to your desired consistency, you can create a cornstarch slurry. Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a splash of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking, and it will thicken up beautifully!

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
This recipe is fantastic for most diets, but if you have a soy allergy, you can substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos for a non-soy version. Additionally, if you re on a low-sodium diet, opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce, and reduce the amount of added kosher salt.

How can I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?
To achieve that perfectly crispy skin, start cooking your chicken in a cold skillet. This method allows the fat to render slowly, leading to an irresistibly crispy texture. Resist the urge to move the chicken around during the first few minutes letting it sit will help with browning!