After a long day, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of rice topped with tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, sticky soy glaze. This soy glazed chicken recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making it perfect for both busy weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 5 boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 scallion, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using a paper towel.
- Coat the Chicken: Mix the cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat each chicken piece evenly with the mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the coated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter and scrape off the browned bits at the bottom (fond) for extra flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Pour the sauce into the pan and simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating it completely in the soy glaze. Slice the chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pair with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! While boneless thighs cook faster and stay juicy, you can use bone-in thighs, drumsticks, wings, or even chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu, seitan, or even hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms.
Can I customize the sauce?
Definitely! Add chili flakes for heat, grated ginger for extra depth, or even double the sauce to drizzle over your rice and veggies.
Do I need five-spice powder?
You can omit it, but it adds a unique flavor. If needed, you can substitute with allspice, star anise, or garam masala.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze after cooking and reheat using a microwave, oven, or air fryer. While freezing may slightly alter the texture, the flavors will remain delicious.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Char Siu Chicken
- Pork Adobo
- Steak Donburi
- Sesame Chicken
This soy glazed chicken is an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Whether you’re making it for dinner or prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
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