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Shoyu Chicken

Shoyu Chicken
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Shoyu Chicken is a quick and easy Asian-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a savory, slightly sweet soy sauce marinade. Combining the umami flavors of shoyu, garlic, ginger, and mirin, this comforting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family. Serve it over rice, noodles, or greens for a versatile and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4–6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup shoyu (soy sauce)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp mirin or rice wine
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

For Garnish

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine shoyu, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, mirin, and water or chicken broth. Mix well to dissolve the sugar and create a balanced flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor and tenderization.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade) and place skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and brown the other side for 3 minutes to seal in juices.
  4. Simmer in the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade over the browned chicken in the skillet and bring to a gentle boil. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, spoon the glossy sauce from the pan over the top, and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for color, texture, and added flavor.

Notes

  • Use Skin-On Thighs: Crisps the skin and locks in moisture while adding delicious texture.
  • Don’t Skip Marinade Time: Even a short marination improves flavor and tenderness significantly.
  • Boil Reserved Marinade: Always bring the marinade to a boil when added back to avoid contamination from raw chicken.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste and add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
  • Serve Hot: Best enjoyed freshly cooked and hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shoyu chicken, soy sauce chicken, Asian chicken recipe, quick dinner, easy chicken thighs, umami chicken, family meal

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/shoyu-chicken/