Soy Garlic Chicken
This Soy Garlic Chicken recipe marries the sweetness of soy sauce with the savory depth of garlic. It's an easy and delightful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners and can be served over rice or noodles.
Prep
30 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Level
Easy
Serves
4
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Mix well to create the marinade.
- 2
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they're well coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and add it to the skillet.
- 4
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- 5
Once cooked, pour the remaining marinade into the pan and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- 6
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
For extra tenderness, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Substitutions
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola or light olive oil.
What to Serve With
- Steamed rice
- Egg noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
Common Mistakes
- Not marinating the chicken long enough to absorb the flavors.
- Cooking the chicken on too high heat, causing it to burn outside but remain raw inside.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out faster, so cook them slightly less.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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