Soy Garlic Chicken is a dish that perfectly combines the bold flavors of Asian cuisine with the comforting familiarity of a classic chicken dinner. This recipe takes simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and honey, and transforms them into a mouth-watering marinade that infuses the chicken with a delicious umami flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, Soy Garlic Chicken is sure to become a new family favorite. The marinade not only adds incredible flavor to the chicken but also helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring that each bite is juicy and succulent.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces, adjust the level of garlic or sweetness to suit your taste, and even thicken the marinade into a delectable sauce to drizzle over the top. The possibilities are endless, and the end result is always a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
So, if you’re in the mood for a taste of Asia without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen, give this Soy Garlic Chicken recipe a try. It’s sure to become a new family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Soy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch optional, for thickening the sauce
- 2 tablespoons water if using cornstarch
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover or seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet or in a baking dish.
- Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Step 3: Make the Sauce (Optional)
- If you want to make a thicker sauce, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan with the marinade.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the baked chicken to a serving platter.
- If you made the thickened sauce, drizzle it over the chicken.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot, with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables on the side.
Tips and Information
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and honey to suit your taste preferences.
- Substitute the honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner option.
Making this dish at home not only allows you to control the level of seasoning to suit your preferences but also gives you a sense of accomplishment and connection to the rich culinary traditions of Asian cuisine. The aroma of garlic and soy sauce wafting through your kitchen is sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Asia, where these flavors are celebrated and cherished.
Whether you’re serving this Soy Garlic Chicken as a weeknight meal or as part of a special occasion, it’s sure to impress and delight your family and friends. The tender, juicy chicken paired with the bold and flavorful sauce is a winning combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
So, embrace the flavors of Asia and add this Soy Garlic Chicken recipe to your repertoire. It’s a dish that celebrates the power of simple ingredients and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Enjoy!