Shoyu Chicken from Zippy's features tender chicken marinated in a savory soy sauce blend, glazed to a glossy finish, and served with steamed rice and crisp vegetables, offering a harmonious mix of rich umami flavors and satisfying textures.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Rice cooker or pot (for steaming rice)
- Steamer basket or pot (for vegetables)
- Plate or serving dish
Ingredients
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening glaze)
- Steamed white rice
- Assorted crisp vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
When selecting chicken thighs for Shoyu Chicken, bone-in and skin-on cuts work best to enhance flavor and keep the meat moist during cooking. Use authentic soy sauce and mirin to achieve the dish's signature savory and slightly sweet glaze, balancing the umami notes. Fresh garlic and ginger are essential for the marinade, contributing depth and aroma, while oyster sauce adds richness to the overall taste. You can adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding cornstarch if you prefer a more concentrated sauce. Shoyu Chicken from Zippy's copycat menu replicates the classic blend of tender marinated chicken, savory soy glaze, and complementary steamed rice and vegetables for an authentic dining experience.
Instructions
- Gather all equipment and ingredients.
- Rinse and pat dry chicken thighs.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, mirin, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Mix marinade until sugar dissolves.
- Place chicken thighs in large pot or Dutch oven.
- Pour marinade over chicken.
- Turn chicken to coat evenly.
- Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
- Remove chicken from refrigerator.
- Place pot over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover and cook for 30–40 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Uncover and simmer an additional 15–20 minutes, occasionally basting, until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- (Optional) For thicker glaze: Dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water and stir into simmering sauce.
- Cook 2–3 more minutes until glaze thickens.
- Meanwhile, prepare rice in rice cooker or pot.
- Steam assorted vegetables until crisp-tender.
- Use tongs to transfer chicken to serving plate.
- Spoon sauce over chicken.
- Serve with steamed rice and crisp vegetables.
- Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Substitution
Zippy's Shoyu Chicken copycat recipe captures the authentic taste with its tender chicken thighs marinated in a rich soy sauce blend. You can substitute mirin with a mix of white wine and a pinch of sugar if unavailable, maintaining the dish's signature sweetness and depth. Using boneless chicken thighs is an option for quicker cooking, though bone-in enhances juiciness and flavor. If oyster sauce is not on hand, hoisin sauce or a splash of fish sauce can provide a similar umami punch. Cornstarch can help achieve a thicker glaze but is optional depending on your preferred sauce consistency.
Tips
Ensure chicken thighs are fully coated in the marinade for even flavor penetration. Maintain low heat during simmering to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from burning. Use a rice cooker for consistent, fluffy steamed rice results and time vegetable steaming carefully to retain crispness and nutrients. When thickening the glaze, dissolve cornstarch completely before adding to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth finish for your Shoyu Chicken.
Nutritions
Shoyu Chicken from Zippy's provides a balanced meal rich in protein from the tender chicken thighs, which are cooked with skin-on to retain moisture and healthy fats. The soy sauce-based marinade offers sodium and antioxidants, while the brown sugar adds a small amount of carbohydrates for quick energy. Steamed white rice complements the dish with complex carbohydrates, and the crisp vegetables contribute dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and essential minerals. Your meal supports muscle repair and immune health while delivering satisfying umami flavors and nutrients.
Storage
Store leftover Shoyu Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the chicken, sauce, and steamed vegetables separate to preserve texture and flavor, and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without drying out your meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time to about 20 minutes to avoid dryness. Replace mirin with a mixture of dry white wine and a teaspoon of sugar if mirin is unavailable. For extra depth, add star anise or cinnamon sticks to the marinade while simmering the chicken to infuse subtle aromatic notes. Using cornstarch to thicken the glaze ensures a glossy finish that clings well to the chicken, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
Allergies
Shoyu Chicken contains soy sauce, which includes soy and wheat, common allergens that may affect those with soy or gluten sensitivities. Oyster sauce is another ingredient that could trigger shellfish allergies. If you have food allergies, it's essential to check all ingredients carefully to ensure your safety before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Zippy's Shoyu Chicken features tender chicken marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, delivering rich umami flavors that consistently satisfy customers. The dish is complemented by a perfectly balanced glaze that enhances its moist texture without overpowering the palate. Your copycat version allows you to recreate this authentic Hawaiian comfort food at home, capturing the distinctive taste that makes it a local favorite. Mastering this recipe offers a delicious, cost-effective alternative to enjoying Zippy's signature dish anytime.