Before diving into the main event, let’s talk pairings. This dish is beautifully versatile. A steaming bowl of Persian Tomato Rice. Maybe a side of sautéed baby bok choy to add a crispy texture. Or perhaps some pickled vegetables like Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli for a tangy contrast. Even a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders to balance out the richness. Trust me, these accompaniments will make your taste buds do the cha-cha.
Today, I’m all jazzed up to share a recipe that’s going to make you the hero of dinner time. Meet Rainbows Shoyu Chicken. This dish is a dazzling blend of flavors that’ll transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in Hawaii. Packed with sweet, savory, and umami notes, it’s the kind of dish you’ll dream about. Curious? Stick around. I’ve got you covered from how it tastes to how you can nail it at home.
What is Rainbows Shoyu Chicken Recipe?
So, what exactly are we talking about? Rainbows Shoyu Chicken is a Hawaiian dish that marinates chicken thighs in a flavorful soy sauce mixture before cooking it to perfection.
The name “Rainbows” isn’t just a fancy add-on. It represents the colorful array of ingredients and flavors that blend together, just like a beautiful rainbow in your mouth. Wow, that sounded poetic! Anyways, it’s that perfect weeknight solution when you want something heartwarming.
How Does It Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a juicy piece of chicken. The first thing you’ll notice is the incredible mix of sweet and savory.
The soy sauce provides that salty umami base, while sugar and rice vinegar create an irresistible caramelized glaze. Add a hint of spice from red pepper flakes and ginger to wake up your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that makes you go “Mmm” instinctively.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Why would you absolutely love this dish? Let’s break it down:
- It’s foolproof.
- Bursting with flavor.
- Ingredients are easy to find.
- Kid-friendly.
- Perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 12 lbs chicken thighs
Sauce:
- 2 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 – 5 inches fresh ginger root, smashed
- 3⁄4 – 1 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 – 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 splashes Worcestershire sauce
- 3 1⁄4 cups dark soy sauce
- 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
First, let’s get that divine marinade ready. In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, granulated sugar, red pepper flakes, smashed ginger root, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed garlic, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and sea salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Grab those luscious chicken thighs and place them in a large zip-lock bag or a container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Seal it up and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better!
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the chicken cook evenly and the drippings fall off for easier cleanup.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and arrange them on the wire rack. Make sure the pieces are not touching each other, as air circulation ensures they cook evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. To get that crispy, caramelized finish, you can broil it for the last 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want crispy, not burnt!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Take the beautifully baked chicken out and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your chosen side dishes and dive in!
Tips on Making Rainbows Shoyu Chicken Recipe
- Marinating Time: Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better for deep flavors.
- Wire Rack: Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to let the chicken cook evenly and avoid sticking.
- Broiling: Broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes to get a nice caramelized top.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger and garlic. It makes a difference, believe me!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
How Do You Store This Rainbows Shoyu Chicken Recipe?
Storing is a cinch. Make sure your leftovers cool down before transferring them into an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about four days. If you’re thinking long-term, pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy again.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Rainbows Shoyu Chicken Recipe?
- Honey instead of Sugar: Want a natural sweetener? Swap sugar for honey at a 1:1 ratio. It’ll give it a different but delicious edge.
- Apple Cider Vinegar instead of Rice Vinegar: If you’re out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute.
- Chicken Breast instead of Thighs: Leaner meat your thing? Go for chicken breasts. They work great, even though they might be a bit less juicy.
- Tamari instead of Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Hot Sauce instead of Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like it spicy, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Rainbows shoyu chicken recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Zip-lock bag or container
- aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 12 lbs chicken thighs
Sauce:
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 – 5 inches fresh ginger root smashed
- 3/4 – 1 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 – 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 splashes Worcestershire sauce
- 3 1/4 cups dark soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- First, let’s get that divine marinade ready. In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, granulated sugar, red pepper flakes, smashed ginger root, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed garlic, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and sea salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Grab those luscious chicken thighs and place them in a large zip-lock bag or a container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Seal it up and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better!
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the chicken cook evenly and the drippings fall off for easier cleanup.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken
- Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and arrange them on the wire rack. Make sure the pieces are not touching each other, as air circulation ensures they cook evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. To get that crispy, caramelized finish, you can broil it for the last 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want crispy, not burnt!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Take the beautifully baked chicken out and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your chosen side dishes and dive in!
Notes
- Marinating Time: Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better for deep flavors.
- Wire Rack: Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to let the chicken cook evenly and avoid sticking.
- Broiling: Broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes to get a nice caramelized top.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger and garlic. It makes a difference, believe me!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! After marinating the chicken, place it in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu. Marinate and cook it in the same way.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, the chicken can be marinated a day in advance. Cook it fresh for the best flavor.
- What wine pairs well with this dish? A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the flavors of the shoyu chicken.
- How do I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the marinade before cooking.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. Just toss them in for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Conclusion
Rainbows Shoyu Chicken is a dish that ticks all the boxes—flavorful, simple to make, and absolutely mouth-watering. It’s the kind of recipe that will have your family asking for seconds (and maybe thirds). With easily accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whip it up, pair it wisely, and watch as it brings a smile to everyone’s face. Happy cooking!
