Shoyu Chicken Plate Lunch
Tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory shoyu sauce. This classic Hawaiian plate lunch, served with scoops of rice and creamy macaroni salad, is pure comfort food.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the Macaroni Salad
- b.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, or until very tender (slightly overcooking is key for authentic texture).
- c.Drain the macaroni well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely.
- d.In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, grated carrot, grated onion, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- e.Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing and stir gently until every piece is well coated.
- f.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to set.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Shoyu Sauce and Chicken
- b.While the macaroni salad chills, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, grated ginger, minced garlic, and mirin until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.
- c.Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them get a better sear.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sear and Simmer the Chicken
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it (work in batches if necessary). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.
- d.Pour the prepared shoyu sauce mixture over the chicken. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken the Sauce
- b.Using tongs, remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover to keep warm.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry with no lumps.
- d.Increase the heat under the skillet to medium. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly.
- e.Continue to cook and whisk for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
- f.Return the chicken to the skillet and turn to coat each piece in the thickened sauce.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Plate Lunch
- b.To build a classic plate lunch, use an ice cream scoop. Place two scoops of warm white rice and one scoop of chilled macaroni salad onto each plate.
- c.Arrange a few pieces of shoyu chicken next to the rice and salad.
- d.Spoon a generous amount of the extra shoyu sauce over the chicken and rice.
- e.Garnish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest chicken, use thighs. Chicken breasts can be used but reduce the simmering time to 20-25 minutes to avoid drying them out.
- 2Slightly overcooking the macaroni for the salad is a classic Hawaiian technique, as it helps absorb more of the creamy dressing.
- 3The macaroni salad tastes even better the next day. Feel free to make it ahead of time.
- 4Don't skip searing the chicken; it creates a flavorful crust and adds a deeper layer of flavor (the Maillard reaction) to the dish.
- 5For the most authentic flavor, use a quality Japanese shoyu (soy sauce) like Kikkoman.
- 6Ensure the water for the cornstarch slurry is cold. Using warm water can cause the cornstarch to clump.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or a teaspoon of gochujang to the shoyu sauce for a spicy kick.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This sauce works wonderfully with boneless pork shoulder (cut into cubes) or firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni to make the entire dish gluten-free.
Lighter Mac SaladLighter Mac Salad
For a lighter version of the macaroni salad, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body tissue.
Provides Sustained Energy
The combination of rice and macaroni offers a significant source of complex carbohydrates, which the body uses as its primary fuel for sustained energy throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
A typical Shoyu Chicken Plate Lunch is a hearty meal and can range from 800 to 1100 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes. The calories come from the chicken, the sweet sauce, the two scoops of rice, and the mayonnaise-based macaroni salad.