Money Chicken

The summer months means it’s outdoor grilling time but this is a recipe that works well in the oven or air fryer too because Money Chicken never misses.

Shoyu chicken is a beloved Hawaiian comfort food built around soy sauce (shoyu), garlic, ginger, and sugar. My version leans into those classic flavors while adding pineapple juice, ketchup, oyster sauce, and a splash of lemon lime soda to create a marinade that's sweet, tangy, and perfect for grilling.

As the chicken cooks over the flames, the sugars caramelize into a sticky glaze while the smoky char adds another layer of flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup shoyu (Hawaiian soy sauce)

1 cup pineapple juice

⅓ cup brown sugar

¾ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

2 green onions, sliced

1 teaspoon white pepper

lemon lime soda

2½–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For creamy pineapple garlic sauce

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons pineapple juice

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon grated garlic

1 teaspoon rice vinegar (add up to 1½ teaspoons for a tangier flavor)

Pinch of white pepper

1. Whisk together the shoyu, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, white pepper, and Sprite until well combined.

2. Add the chicken thighs and toss until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. Also don’t over marinate longer than 24 hours because the pineapple juice can make the chicken mushy.

3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill until cooked through, flipping occasionally to develop a deep caramelized char. These can also be baked in the oven at 400°F for 30- 40 minutes and broil for the last 2 minutes. Air fry at 375°F for 18-20 minutes flipping halfway.

*Because the marinade contains sugar from the pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, and soda, the chicken can caramelize quickly. Keep an eye on it while grilling, baking, or air frying so the outside gets that beautiful sticky char without burning.

4. Slice the chicken and serve over steamed rice with plenty of Creamy Pineapple Garlic Sauce on the side. Finish with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.

Sweet, savory, smoky, and juicy