This flavorful dish features tender chicken thighs coated in a savory soy garlic sauce, offering a delightful balance of sweet and salty notes. The crispy chicken, combined with the rich, umami-packed sauce, makes for a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Tender – The chicken thighs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Savory and Sweet Sauce – A perfect balance of soy sauce, honey, and garlic for a mouthwatering flavor.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your tastes.
- One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil) for pan frying
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup chicken stock (or water with chicken bouillon)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For Garnish:
- Green onions (green parts only), chopped
- Sesame seeds
Directions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together the chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- In a shallow dish, combine the potato starch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly coat each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat the neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic, the white parts of the green onions, and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the garlic is golden brown.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and cook for an additional minute, or until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, tossing them in the sauce to ensure they are well coated.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Spicy Version – Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a diced fresh chili for a spicier kick.
- Gluten-Free – Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.
- Crispier Chicken – For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken in the flour mixture and fry in a bit more oil.
- Sweetness Adjustment – Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts will be less tender and juicy. Thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their rich flavor and texture.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge, then heat and assemble when ready to serve.
Can I use light soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce?
Dark soy sauce adds a richer flavor and color, but light soy sauce can be used if you prefer a milder taste.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I make this sauce without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a different flavor.
Conclusion
Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
These Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, coated in a savory, sweet soy garlic sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a delicious balance of flavors.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons potato starch
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil) for frying
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup chicken stock (or water with chicken bouillon)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For Garnish:
- Green onions (green parts only), chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- In a shallow dish, combine potato starch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly coat each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs and cook for 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic, the white parts of the green onions, and red chili flakes for 3 minutes, until the garlic is golden brown.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and cook for 1 more minute, until it thickens.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, tossing them in the sauce to coat.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve:
- Serve hot with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red chili flakes or add diced fresh chili.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free flour and ensure gluten-free soy sauce.
- For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken and fry in a bit more oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, American
