Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 hrs Difficulty: Beginner
A quick and flavorful dish for weeknight dinners
Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe with flavorful garlic soy glaze pinit

There’s nothing quite like the caramelized goodness of Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs wafting through your home. I remember the first time I made this dish—it transformed a regular weeknight dinner into a tasty adventure. Friends gathered around the table, raving about the flavors, and I felt like a kitchen superstar. Whether you want a comforting meal or something a little adventurous, this chicken delivers a punch of flavor without fluffing around with complicated techniques. Ready to dive in? Let’s do this!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s talk about why you absolutely need to try this recipe tonight. For starters, the combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a sticky, sweet-savory sauce that envelops the chicken, making every bite a joyous experience. It’s like a warm hug in food form!

Besides the flavor explosion, this dish is fast and incredibly simple to prepare—with just a little bit of effort, you’ll impress anyone at your dinner table! The crispy, golden exterior gives it a restaurant-worthy vibe, yet it’s right at home in your kitchen. And let’s not forget that the ingredients are easy to find! You’re likely just a few steps away from creating something truly delightful tonight.

Gather these ingredients

Chicken thighs

Let’s start with the star of the show: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These beauties are juicy, tender, and soak up all those delicious flavors better than their counterparts. If you happen to have chicken breasts on hand, that’ll work too, but trust me, you’ll miss out on that rich, satisfying bite.

Potato starch & flour

Next, we’re talking about 3 tbsp potato starch and 3 tbsp all-purpose flour. This duo is your crispy insurance policy. The potato starch gives a light, delicate crunch, while the flour adds substance. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap these for cornstarch, but the crispy texture might take a hit.

Everyday spices

Don’t forget 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. These are pantry staples, but they bring a comforting depth that elevates the chicken. You can also play around with these—perhaps a dash of smoked paprika for a hint of spice?

Oil for frying

You’ll need 3 tbsp of a neutral oil for pan-frying. Don’t skimp on this one; the right oil will help achieve that gorgeous golden brown color. Think canola or vegetable oil here.

Fresh aromatics

We’re using 8 cloves of minced garlic and 2 stalks of green onion (white and green parts separated). Oh, the aroma that fills your kitchen is out of this world! And those 1 tsp red chili flakes? They’re for a subtle kick, but adjust the amount to your liking.

Sauce components

For the sensational sauce, gather 1/2 cup chicken stock (or sub with water and chicken bouillon), 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tsp cornstarch. This blend combines savory flavors with a gentle sweetness that ties the whole dish together.

Garnishes

Lastly, you’ll want some green onion greens and sesame seeds for garnishing. It’s all about the final touch—the green onion adds color and freshness, while the sesame seeds throw in a delightful crunch.

How this recipe comes together

Ready to make some magic happen? Here’s how it all unfolds.

Preparing the sauce

Start with the sauce. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup chicken stock, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Mix it well and set it aside—this will be your glaze of glory.

Chicken prep

Grab your paper towel and dry the boneless skinless chicken thighs to remove excess moisture. This is essential for that nice golden sear!

Next, on a large plate, mix together the potato starch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each chicken thigh in this mixture, tapping off any excess—nobody likes a clumpy crust!

Frying

Heat 3 tbsp of neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the coated chicken thighs and fry them until they’re golden brown—about 7 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when each side is vibrant and crispy! Remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Creating the sauce

In that glorious leftover frying oil, toss in your minced garlic, the white part of the green onion, and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the garlic turns golden and aromatic. Now, pour in the sauce mixture you’ve prepared and let it bubble and thicken for 1 minute.

Bring it all together

Add the chicken back into the pan, coating every piece with that luscious sauce. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until everything is merged in harmonious flavor—your kitchen will smell incredible!

Best way to enjoy it

When you serve this dish, think about presentation. Serve the glossy soy garlic chicken on a platter for that wow factor. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up that sauce—it’s an absolute must! You can toss in some favorite veggies, like bok choy, broccoli, or even some sweet bell peppers on the side. A sprinkle of those bright green green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds that final pop of flavor and texture that your dish deserves!

Storage and reheating tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s that good), here’s the scoop: Allow the chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to retain moisture and prevent the sauce from thickening too much. You could also use the microwave, but nobody likes sad chicken—aim for a minute or so, and keep an eye on it!

Pro chef tips

Here are a few insider tips to make your cooking experience even better:

  1. Don’t rush the chicken—allow it to fry undisturbed for that perfect golden crust. Patience is key!
  2. Make it your own by adding other spices or herbs that you love. Maybe some ginger for an extra kick!
  3. If you’ve got time, marinating the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours will take the flavor to new heights.
  4. For a healthy twist, consider using skin-on chicken thighs or even air frying them for a lighter version.

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun variations to experiment with:

  • Add some zest: A sprinkle of lime or lemon juice right before serving adds a fresh tang.
  • Spice it up: Swap out the red chili flakes for sriracha or sambal oelek for a bolder kick.
  • Vegetable medley: Toss in some vegetables like snap peas or baby corn during the final stage of cooking for a hearty, colorful dish.

Ingredients list

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp potato starch
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp neutral oil for pan frying
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks green onion (white and green parts separated)
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup chicken stock (or water and chicken bouillon)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Garnish

  • Green onion (green part)
  • Sesame seeds

Directions to follow

  1. Prepare the sauce: Mix together chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.

  2. Chicken prep: Dry chicken thighs and coat them with the potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper mixture.

  3. Fry chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from pan.

  4. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic, white parts of green onion, and red chili flakes for 3 minutes until fragrant.

  5. Thicken sauce: Add prepared sauce to the pan and cook for 1 minute until it thickens.

  6. Combine: Return chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 5 minutes until coated in sauce.

Your questions answered

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead? Absolutely! Just be aware that they’ll cook faster, so keep an eye on them!

  2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A skillet with a splash of water works wonders to keep the chicken juicy.

  3. How spicy is this dish? The red chili flakes offer a gentle heat. You can adjust to your taste!

  4. Can I meal prep this dish? Totally! It keeps well in the fridge and is fantastic for lunch the next day.

  5. What sides go well with this? Steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a chilled cucumber salad make great companions.

By now, I hope you’re feeling inspired to try this Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe. With each step, you’re not just making a meal—you’re creating a moment, a memory to share with those you love (or just with yourself, because hey, you deserve it!). Cooking is all about exploration, so don’t hesitate to add your own flair! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you—let’s keep this vibrant cooking community alive!

Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe with flavorful garlic soy glaze pinit
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Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 30 hrs
Cooking Temp: medium-high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 300
Best Season: Any

Description

Enjoy the caramelized goodness of Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs, a simple yet incredible dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

Garnishes

Instructions

Making the dish

  1. Prepare the sauce

    In a bowl, combine chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Chicken prep

    Dry chicken thighs with a paper towel and coat them with the potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper mixture.
  3. Fry chicken

    Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for about 7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from pan.
  4. Sauté aromatics

    In the same pan, sauté minced garlic, white parts of green onion, and red chili flakes for about 3 minutes until aromatic.
  5. Thicken sauce

    Add the prepared sauce to the pan and cook for 1 minute until it thickens.
  6. Combine

    Return chicken to the pan and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until coated in sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 300kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g24%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 600mg25%
Potassium 400mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 6g
Protein 30g60%

Vitamin A 500 IU
Vitamin C 5 mg
Calcium 20 mg
Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chicken thighs, soy sauce, garlic, easy recipe, weeknight dinner
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Absolutely! Just be aware that they’ll cook faster, so keep an eye on them!

What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

A skillet with a splash of water works wonders to keep the chicken juicy.

How spicy is this dish?

The red chili flakes offer a gentle heat. You can adjust to your taste!

Can I meal prep this dish?

Totally! It keeps well in the fridge and is fantastic for lunch the next day.

What sides go well with this?

Steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a chilled cucumber salad make great companions.

Laura Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Laura, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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