Discover How To Make Soy Glazed Chicken In Just 7 Simple Steps

Soy-glazed chicken is a savory and flavorful dish where chicken pieces are coated in a rich, glossy glaze made from soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and a blend of aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger. The glaze, which is slightly sweet and umami-rich, caramelizes as the chicken cooks, creating a tantalizing, sticky coating that enhances the chicken's natural flavors. Often garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is typically served over rice or noodles, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal. The combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, along with the caramelized finish, makes soy-glazed chicken a favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Here’s a delicious recipe for soy-glazed chicken that is easy to make and packed with flavor:

1. Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

2. Instructions

Step 1- Prepare the Chicken:

– Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2- Make the Soy Glaze:

– In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to combine.

Step 3- Cook the Chicken:

– Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if needed.
– Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown color.

Step 4- Add the Glaze:

– Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the soy glaze over the chicken in the skillet.
– Cook for an additional 5 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until the glaze has thickened and coated the chicken.

Step 5- Optional: Thicken the Glaze:

– If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Step 6- Serve:

– Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice if desired.
– Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
– Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Step 7- Enjoy:

– Your soy-glazed chicken is ready to be enjoyed. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.