Soy Sauce Chicken – Tender, Flavorful & Comforting

Soy Sauce Chicken is a classic dish that combines juicy chicken with a rich, savory-sweet glaze. Slowly simmered in an aromatic soy-based sauce, the chicken absorbs every layer of flavor — from garlic and ginger to a hint of sweetness. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender & Juicy – Slow cooking infuses moisture and flavor into the chicken.
Balanced Flavors – A perfect blend of salty, sweet, and aromatic notes.
Quick Prep – Minimal hands-on time with impressive results.
Versatile – Pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure even browning.
  2. Make the Sauce
    In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
  3. Cook the Aromatics
    Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a little oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and green onions for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Brown the Chicken
    Place chicken pieces skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.
  5. Simmer in Sauce
    Pour the soy mixture over the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Finish & Serve
    Transfer chicken to a serving dish. Reduce the remaining sauce slightly until thickened, then spoon over the chicken. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~310
Protein: 24g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 640mg

Tips for Success

se Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Keeps the flavors balanced and not overly salty.
Don’t Rush the Simmer – Gentle cooking allows the chicken to soak up the flavors.
Perfect Pairing – Serve with jasmine rice or steamed bok choy for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Simmering chicken in a fragrant soy-based sauce ensures every bite is flavorful and moist. The balance of savory, sweet, and tangy ingredients creates a glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken, making it irresistible.

Soy Sauce Chicken is an easy yet elegant dish that highlights the magic of simple ingredients cooked with care. Its glossy, flavorful coating and tender meat make it a family favorite you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation.

Soy Sauce Chicken – Tender, Flavorful & Comforting

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

310

kcal

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich soy-based sauce with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness — a comforting dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • ½ cup water

  • 3 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)

  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed

  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

  • 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken
    Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure even browning.
  • Make the Sauce
    In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
  • Cook the Aromatics
    Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a little oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and green onions for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Brown the Chicken
    Place chicken pieces skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.
  • Simmer in Sauce
    Pour the soy mixture over the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Finish & Serve
    Transfer chicken to a serving dish. Reduce the remaining sauce slightly until thickened, then spoon over the chicken. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Keeps the flavors balanced and not overly salty.
    Don’t Rush the Simmer – Gentle cooking allows the chicken to soak up the flavors.
    Perfect Pairing – Serve with jasmine rice or steamed bok choy for a complete meal.

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