Here’s a quick and flavorful recipe for Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner:
Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp freshly grated ginger)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season the chicken thighs with a little salt and pepper, then pour the marinade over them. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have time).
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down (if using bone-in, skin-on), and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the chicken over and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze the Chicken:
- While the chicken is cooking, pour the leftover marinade into the skillet with the chicken. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing into a glossy glaze. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken as it simmers.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice, vegetables, or a salad.
Tips
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of lime juice to the sauce just before serving for a fresh zing.
- Make it sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the amount of honey or brown sugar to taste.
- Use boneless chicken: For a quicker cook time, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes.
This easy soy garlic chicken is tender, savory, and sweet with just the right amount of umami—a perfect dish to serve with your favorite sides!