Go Back
Print Recipe

Father’s Day Special: Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken

For the Dad Who Loves Big Flavor
Celebrate Dad with a taste of aloha! This Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken is tender, juicy, and simmered in a rich, sweet-savory sauce made with soy (shoyu), garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. It’s bold, comforting, and made with love — the perfect Father’s Day dish to serve over fluffy rice and pair with tropical sides.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Keyword: Father’s Day, Comfort Food, One-Pot, Sweet & Savory, Island Flavors, Chicken
Servings: 4
Cost: 200

Ingredients

  • 1 kg bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
  • 1 cup shoyu soy sauce
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup mirin or use pineapple juice for a fruity twist
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 green onions sliced (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water for thickening, optional
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Make the Sauce:

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, mirin (or pineapple juice), sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Add the Chicken:

  • Place chicken thighs into the sauce, skin side down. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Reduce the Sauce:

  • Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly. If you'd like a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it in during the final 2 minutes.

Garnish & Serve:

  • Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over white rice with a side of steamed greens or pineapple slaw.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
  • Grilled pineapple slices or mango salsa
  • Hawaiian mac salad or coleslaw
  • A chilled beer or fruity iced tea

🌺 Why Dad Will Love It

  • Sweet, savory, and sticky — packed with flavor
  • Tender and juicy chicken that melts in your mouth
  • One-pot recipe that’s easy to make and even easier to love
  • Reminds him of tropical vacations… or takes him on one in a bite!