Flavorful Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, look no further than these Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs. These flavorful chicken thighs have become a go-to dish in my kitchen, and for good reason. The crispy chicken coated in a sweet-savory glaze is a winning combination that never fails to impress.

I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those nights when I needed something fast yet flavorful, and these soy garlic chicken thighs fit the bill perfectly. With just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have on hand, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish in about 20 minutes. The magic of this recipe lies in the caramelized glaze that elevates simple chicken thighs into a gourmet meal.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends on a whim, these Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The best part? You can customize the dish with a spicy kick from gochujang, a zingy twist with ginger, or a citrusy touch with orange or lime juice. Serve these delectable chicken thighs over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for more.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner hero
• Impressive restaurant-quality taste and appearance
• Versatile – can be customized with different flavors and served with various sides
• Convenient – keeps well in the refrigerator and freezer for future meals

Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
• Restaurant-Quality Dish: Tastes and looks like something from a fancy restaurant but made in the comfort of your home.
• Versatile Recipe: Can be customized with additional ingredients like gochujang, ginger, or citrus for different flavor profiles.
• Family and Guest Approved: Loved by picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike – even those who consider themselves food snobs!
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Great for meal prep Sundays or for making ahead, as the chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze the chicken thighs without the glaze for a quick meal option; just thaw and re-crisp in a hot pan.
• Healthy Option: Pair with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or Asian slaw for a complete and balanced meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crispy chicken and sweet-savory glaze is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds, making it ideal for gatherings with friends.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this flavorful dish, making it a great option for family dinners.

Ingredients for Flavorful Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

For the Chicken

• Oil for cooking
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 boneless chicken thighs
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons salt (about 1/2 teaspoon per thigh)

For the Soy Garlic Glaze

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

For Serving

• Green onions, sliced (optional)
• Cooked white rice
• Sesame seeds (optional)

How to Make Flavorful Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl and whisk until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Coat all sides lightly with cornstarch for added crispiness.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat, heat a drizzle of oil. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Add the prepared sauce to the pan and simmer for approximately 30 seconds until it slightly thickens.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Place the chicken back in the pan and coat each piece with the glaze. Cook for approximately 1 minute on each side until the sauce caramelizes and forms a sticky, glossy coating on the chicken.

Step 6: Serve

Place the chicken over hot white rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the soy garlic chicken thighs, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispiness of the chicken, it is best to reheat them gently in a skillet. While using the microwave is a quicker option, it may result in the exterior of the chicken thighs becoming softer. If you plan to freeze the chicken, do so without the glaze. Upon thawing, quickly re-crisp the chicken in a hot pan and then make a fresh batch of the glaze to drizzle on top.

The soy garlic chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can accompany various sides. Serve them over steamed jasmine rice to fully enjoy the flavorful glaze. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of quick-cooked broccoli or bok choy. If you prefer a lower-carb option, try pairing the chicken thighs with cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian slaw. Additionally, you can customize the glaze by incorporating ingredients like gochujang or sriracha for a spicy kick, grated ginger for a zingy twist, or citrus juice and zest for a refreshing variation. These chicken thighs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests, as they offer a delightful combination of crispy chicken and a sweet-savory glaze that is sure to impress.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free version of this soy garlic chicken thighs recipe, you can substitute tamari for the soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce you use is gluten-free. Cornstarch can be replaced with potato starch or arrowroot powder for a similar crispy coating on the chicken thighs. If you prefer a different type of sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, you can use that instead of honey in the glaze.

To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, you could swap the chicken thighs for tofu or tempeh slices and adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegan version of the glaze, use a vegan oyster sauce or simply omit it and increase the amount of soy sauce for added umami flavor. You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets to create a plant-based alternative that pairs well with the flavorful glaze.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion, try turning these soy garlic chicken thighs into a build-your-own rice bowl bar. Set out bowls of cooked white rice, along with toppings like sesame seeds, sliced green onions, shredded carrots, and cucumber ribbons. Allow your family or guests to customize their bowls with the crispy chicken thighs and drizzle the flavorful glaze on top for a personalized and delicious meal experience.

Another creative idea is to use the soy garlic chicken thighs to make a flavorful and satisfying Asian-inspired sandwich. Toast some brioche buns, layer them with a generous amount of the crispy chicken, and top with a slaw made of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing. This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on the go, and the combination of textures and flavors will have everyone coming back for more.

FAQs for Flavorful Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as bone-in thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I substitute cornstarch with another type of flour?

Cornstarch helps in creating a crispy coating on the chicken. You can try using potato starch or rice flour as alternatives, but the texture may vary slightly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat to the dish, you can include a tablespoon of gochujang or sriracha to the glaze. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these soy garlic chicken thighs ahead of time. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet to retain some crispness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are truly a game-changer in the realm of quick, flavorful meals. Whether you’re a busy parent looking to please picky eaters or a culinary enthusiast seeking a dish that wows without the fuss, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients and the speed at which this dish comes together make it a winner for any occasion.

So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember these Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs. With their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and that irresistible sweet-savory glaze, they’re a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. Whip them up for your family, friends, or just for yourself – you won’t be disappointed in the flavorful results of these Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs!

Flavorful Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

“Juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet-savory sauce, this easy soy garlic recipe is a weeknight hero that’s restaurant-worthy and ready in 20 minutes!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineAsian-American Fusion

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Oil for cooking
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 boneless chicken thighs
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons salt (about 1/2 teaspoon per thigh)

For the Soy Garlic Glaze

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

For Serving

• Green onions, sliced (optional)
• Cooked white rice
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl and whisk until well mixed. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Coat all sides lightly with cornstarch for added crispiness.
3. Cook the Chicken: In a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat, heat a drizzle of oil. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Glaze: Add the prepared sauce to the pan and simmer for approximately 30 seconds until it slightly thickens.
5. Finish the Dish: Place the chicken back in the pan and coat each piece with the glaze. Cook for approximately 1 minute on each side until the sauce caramelizes and forms a sticky, glossy coating on the chicken.
6. Serve: Place the chicken over hot white rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.