Table of Contents
- Introduction to Soy Glazed Chicken
- The Secret to the Perfect Soy Glaze
- Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
- Step-by-Step: Cooking Soy Glazed Chicken
- Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
- Notes & Tips for Success
Key Takeaways
This Soy Glazed Chicken recipe is the ultimate quick dinner solution for busy weeknights. It combines the savory and sweet flavors of a perfectly balanced soy glaze with juicy chicken thighs. With just 35 minutes of total time, it’s ideal for home cooks who want a delicious and stress-free meal.
Introduction to Soy Glazed Chicken
Welcome to Clara Cooks! At Clara Cooks, we strive to bring you flavorful and accessible recipes like this Soy Glazed Chicken. This dish captures the essence of Asian-inspired cuisine with its rich soy glaze, making it a staple for dinner tables everywhere. The soy-glazed chicken’s savory-sweet flavor profile is bound to impress your taste buds and your guests.
The Secret to the Perfect Soy Glaze
The soy glaze is the star of this recipe. Made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, it creates a rich and sticky coating for the chicken. The key to achieving the perfect glaze lies in the balance—sweet from the honey, umami from the soy sauce, and a hint of spice from optional chili flakes. You’ll find that the glaze caramelizes beautifully as the chicken cooks, creating an irresistible dish.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
For this recipe, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are highly recommended for their juicy texture and rich flavor. However, you can use skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your chicken remains tender and flavorful. The soy glaze ensures that any cut of chicken will shine in this recipe.
Step-by-Step: Cooking Soy Glazed Chicken
Cooking soy-glazed chicken is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by marinating the chicken in a soy glaze mixture to infuse it with flavor. Next, sear the chicken in a skillet to crisp up the skin, then finish cooking it in the reduced glaze. This process locks in moisture while creating a caramelized exterior that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pair your soy-glazed chicken with fluffy white rice, steamed vegetables, or even a light Asian-inspired salad for a balanced meal. Jasmine rice works particularly well, as it absorbs the delicious soy glaze. Add a side of sautéed greens or pickled vegetables to complement the rich flavors of the chicken.
Notes & Tips for Success
To make this recipe even easier, prepare the soy glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When cooking the chicken, ensure the skillet is preheated for the best sear. If you’re looking to add extra texture, garnish the finished dish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. These small touches elevate the dish to restaurant quality.
Soy Glazed Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using).
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and place it skin-side down in the skillet. Reserve the marinade.
- Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, basting the chicken with the sauce, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
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