Shoyu Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Classic

Shoyu Chicken is a comforting dish that brings the delicious flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic together in a savory, tender chicken dish. The rich, umami-filled soy sauce and the slight sweetness of the sugar create a perfect balance of flavors that coat the chicken beautifully. With a few simple ingredients, this dish delivers a depth of flavor that’s perfect over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. The dish is best enjoyed when you’re craving a simple yet flavorful meal, and it’s versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides. For a lighter version, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, or you can use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
  
  

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  
  

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
  
  

• 1/4 cup water
  
  

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  
  

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  
  

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
  

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  
  

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  
  

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  
  

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well mixed.
   
   

2. Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the bowl, ensuring that they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for enhanced flavor.
   
   

3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, skin-side up, and pour any leftover marinade over the chicken.
   
   

4. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy. If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to 20-25 minutes.
   
   

5. Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
   
   

6. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if using, and serve with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 22g
  
  

• Fat: 20g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 10g
  
  

• Fiber: 1g
  
  

• Sugar: 8g
  
  

• Sodium: 650mg