Easy Soy Sauce Chicken for Tender, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meals
Looking for a flavorful chicken dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight but bold enough to satisfy takeout cravings? Soy sauce chicken is a classic Asian-inspired recipe known for its deeply savory, slightly sweet glaze and succulent texture. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, it delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
Traditionally braised or simmered, this soy sauce chicken recipe uses a balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic elements to create a rich sauce that infuses every bite of the meat. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles with a side of vegetables, and you’ll have a complete, comforting meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable)
For the Soy Sauce Braising Liquid
- Half cup low-sodium soy sauce
- One third cup dark soy sauce (optional, for deeper color and flavor)
- One third cup brown sugar
- One tablespoon rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
- One tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- Three garlic cloves, smashed
- One-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- Two cups water
- Two star anise (optional)
- One cinnamon stick (optional)
- Two scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, skin side down, and sear for three to four minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for two minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Braising Sauce
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add garlic, ginger, and scallions. Sauté for one minute until fragrant.
- Add soy sauces, brown sugar, vinegar, Shaoxing wine, and water. Stir to combine.
- Drop in the optional star anise and cinnamon stick for a more traditional, aromatic depth.
Step 3: Braise the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot, skin side up.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through.
- Uncover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reduce the sauce and intensify the flavor.
- Remove the chicken and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over jasmine or basmati rice with steamed bok choy, broccoli, or sautéed spinach.
- Spoon extra sauce over the rice for added richness.
- Garnish with sliced scallions or toasted sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
- For meal prep, pair with rice noodles or brown rice and portion into containers for ready-to-go lunches.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 1 chicken thigh with sauce) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Protein | 28 grams |
| Total Fat | 21 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Sugars | 8 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams |
| Sodium | 980 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Rich in protein, making it a satisfying and muscle-supporting meal.
- Low in carbohydrates, suitable for moderate-carb or low-carb meal plans.
- Flavor-forward from soy and aromatics, reducing the need for high-calorie sauces or extras.
- Easy to adapt for gluten-free diets by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Tips for Success
- For crispy skin, place cooked chicken under a broiler for two to three minutes before serving.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a more savory or sweeter profile.
- Dark soy sauce is optional but enhances the color and gives a more authentic touch.
- Leftover sauce can be used as a glaze for tofu, rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
Variations to Try
- Use boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking and easier slicing.
- Add hard-boiled eggs to the braising liquid for a soy-marinated egg garnish.
- Include sliced shiitake mushrooms or baby bok choy in the pot for an all-in-one meal.
- Replace chicken with duck legs or pork belly for a richer, traditional alternative.
Soy sauce chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s easy enough for everyday cooking and impressive enough for guests. Its balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables.
