Hey there! If you’re a fan of Hawaiian comfort food, then you’re in for a real treat with this Shoyu Chicken Rainbow Drive In recipe.

I remember the first time I visited Hawaii and tried shoyu chicken—it was love at first bite! The sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor took me straight to the islands.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re at home. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it’s super simple, packed with flavor, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.

If you’ve been craving a taste of Hawaii, this shoyu chicken recipe is exactly what you need.

Table of Contents

Shoyu Chicken Rainbow Drive In Recipe

Tender boneless chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful mixture of sweet and salty shoyu, or soy sauce, in this Rainbow Drive In Shoyu Chicken Recipe.

The best part? It’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and how to whip up this tasty dish.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Course: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 4 servings
Calories Per Serving: 320

Ingredients

For this shoyu chicken recipe, we’ll keep things simple with a handful of ingredients that you probably already have at home.

Chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Shoyu Chicken Sauce:

½ cup Aloha shoyu (or any soy sauce)
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Slurry (To Thicken Sauce):

1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Marinate The Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the Aloha shoyu, sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight if you have the time).
Cook The Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs to the pan, reserving the marinade. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll want to turn them over once to get a nice sear.
Make The Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce to thicken it. Stir for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a glossy, thick consistency.
Combine And Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the thickened shoyu sauce over the chicken thighs in the skillet, coating them evenly. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve And Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Rainbow Drive In Shoyu Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice for an authentic Hawaiian experience! Savor this dish for a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch with a side of macaroni salad.

Tips And Variations

Substitute Chicken Cuts: If you prefer white meat, you can swap the chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts. Just remember that thighs are usually more delicious and juicy.
Make It Spicy: If you like your shoyu chicken a little spicy, add a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before to save time, making this recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with your shoyu chicken? Here are a few ideas:

Rice: You can’t go wrong with steamed white rice or sticky jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Macaroni Salad: For a true Hawaiian plate lunch, serve with creamy macaroni salad on the side.
Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli, bok choy, or sautéed cabbage to balance out the meal with something green.

Conclusion

There you have it—my easy Rainbow Drive In Shoyu Chicken Recipe! This recipe brings the taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and steps.

It’s one of my go-to weeknight meals when I want something delicious that doesn’t take forever to make. Try it out and share your thoughts with me in the comments section below!

Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me if you make it—I’d love to see how it turned out for you!

Happy cooking, friends!

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Naznin Aktar

Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen

Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, the food enthusiast and recipe curator at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.