Today, I’m sharing a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor: Shoyu Chicken. Shoyu chicken is a delightful dish that beautifully marries the savory and sweet elements of traditional Japanese cuisine. Made with tender, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, this dish is simmered in a rich sauce of shoyu (Japanese soy sauce), brown sugar, and honey, along with aromatic ingredients like ginger, garlic, and onions. The cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat. Once cooked, the chicken is broiled to achieve a crispy, caramelized skin, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. Whether served over steamed rice or alongside fresh vegetables, shoyu chicken is a comforting meal that evokes the warmth of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup soy sauce (shoyu)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- Ginger, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 3-4 green onions, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, sliced
For the Cornstarch Slurry:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a large pot, combine the water, shoyu, brown sugar, and honey. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Aromatics
Carefully place the chicken thighs into the pot. Then, add the sliced ginger, chopped garlic, green onion pieces, and sliced onion. Make sure the chicken is well submerged in the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for about 1 hour, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken will soak up all the wonderful flavors and become tender.
Step 4: Crisp the Skin
Once the chicken is fully cooked, preheat your broiler. Carefully transfer the chicken thighs onto a cookie sheet and place them under the broiler on low. Broil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close watch to prevent burning!
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
While the chicken is broiling, prepare the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot with the remaining sauce and stir continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is crispy, remove it from the oven and add back in the pot with the thickened sauce. Serve with steamed rice or your favorite side dish, and enjoy!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
