Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken

Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken

This Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken is savory and sweet, which includes tender chicken thighs and a soy sauce–brown sugar glaze. It’s a foolproof Hawaiian-inspired recipe, ready in about 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • Fresh ginger (about 1 inch), peeled
  • ¼ cup green onions, diced
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

How To Make Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken

  1. Mix sauce ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, ginger, green onions, and black pepper. Stir to mix.
  2. Add chicken and cook: Place chicken thighs in the mixture. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours, until chicken reaches 175-195°F.
  3. Thicken the sauce (optional): For a thicker glaze, whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes. Turn to HIGH to thicken.
  4. Serve: Serve chicken whole or shredded. Garnish with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken
Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
    Yes, but thighs stay more tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
  • How to make it less salty?
    Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and add extra water if needed.
  • Can I add vegetables?
    Yes, carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy can be added during the last hour of cooking.
  • How to serve Hawaiian-style?
    Serve with steamed white rice and macaroni salad for a plate lunch vibe.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken

This dish pairs perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine or white rice
  • Hawaiian macaroni salad
  • Roasted pineapple or grilled veggies
  • A side of cabbage slaw

How To Store Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze cooled chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Protein: ~28g
  • Carbohydrates: ~20g
  • Fat: ~12g
  • Saturated Fat: ~3g
  • Cholesterol: ~145mg
  • Sodium: ~1400mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, quick release, and shred or serve whole.

Why is my sauce too thin?
Use the cornstarch slurry and cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to thicken.

Is this recipe authentic Hawaiian shoyu chicken?
It’s a simplified crock pot version inspired by the traditional dish.

Try More Recipes:

Crock Pot Shoyu Chicken

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

4

hours 
Calories

320

kcal

Tender chicken thighs slow cooked in a sweet and savory soy-garlic sauce, perfect served over rice.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 cup water

  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled

  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)

Directions

  • Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, ginger, green onions, and black pepper in slow cooker.
  • Add chicken thighs; cover and cook on HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-5 hours until tender.
  • For thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into slow cooker during last 30 minutes. Turn heat to HIGH to thicken.
  • Serve chicken whole or shredded with sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.