Juicy & Tender Shoyu Chicken

Name: Juicy & Tender Shoyu Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Food Ideas

Experience the mouthwatering goodness of Juicy & Tender Shoyu Chicken, a delightful dish that combines succulent chicken thighs with a rich, savory soy sauce marinade. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion, delivering a burst of flavor that will leave your family craving more. Serve it over rice or vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-02T09:40:11.128Z

This dish is a family favorite that brings everyone together for a delicious meal.

The Perfect Marinade

A good marinade is the key to a well-flavored dish, and this shoyu chicken recipe delivers just that. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger creates an incredibly rich and savory profile that permeates the chicken, making it tender and juicy. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor even further, resulting in every bite being bursting with taste.

Using fresh ingredients like minced garlic and grated ginger elevates the dish to new heights. These aromatics not only enhance the flavor but also provide a fragrant aroma that tantalizes the senses during cooking. If you have the time, consider marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Cooking to Perfection

Cooking chicken thighs with skin-on is essential for achieving that delightful crispy texture. The skin acts as a barrier to keep moisture in while allowing the exterior to develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Searing the chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet helps lock in juices, creating a juicy and tender final dish.

Once seared, adding the marinade to the skillet transforms the cooking process into a flavorful simmer. This method not only infuses the chicken with the marinade's rich flavors but also creates a delicious sauce that can be drizzled over your serving of rice or vegetables. It’s an easy trick that takes your home-cooked meal to a restaurant-quality level.

Serving Suggestions

To make the most of this delectable shoyu chicken, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the rich sauce, creating an irresistible base that complements the chicken perfectly. For a healthier option, steamed vegetables or a fresh salad also pair beautifully with the dish.

Don’t forget to garnish your chicken with chopped green onions. This simple addition adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly oniony note that contrasts wonderfully with the savory flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests alike.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Prepare all ingredients before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and season with salt and pepper. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Flip and cook for another 5 minutes.

Add Marinade and Simmer

Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet, bring it to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice or vegetables.

Enjoy your meal!

Tips for Perfect Shoyu Chicken

For the best flavor, opt for high-quality soy sauce. Authentic Japanese soy sauce, like koi shoyu, provides a depth of flavor that enhances the dish. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or honey, to create a unique twist on the marinade.

If you're looking to add a little heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers into the marinade. This will provide a nice kick without overpowering the savory elements of the dish.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain moisture, consider reheating the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help rehydrate the meat, preventing it from drying out.

Freezing is also an option! If you want to prepare shoyu chicken in advance, freeze the marinated chicken before cooking it. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then cook as directed for a quick weeknight dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t find chicken thighs? While this recipe works best with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you can substitute with chicken breasts or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts generally cook faster than thighs.

Can I use a different type of marinade? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors by using teriyaki sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even a homemade marinade of your choice. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the protein used.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but breasts may cook faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ Is it possible to grill the chicken?

Absolutely! Just make sure to monitor the temperature.