If you’re in search of a quick and tantalizing chicken dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs. This recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. With tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky soy garlic glaze, it’s perfect for those busy evenings when you still want to serve something delicious. Plus, it’s simple enough for even novice cooks to master and thoroughly enjoy.
Why make this recipe
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs so special? For starters, it’s incredibly budget-friendly! Using just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a meal that feels gourmet. It’s also versatile; whether served over rice, alongside steamed veggies, or tucked into a warm wrap, this dish adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand. Not to mention, it’s a surefire way to please picky eaters, thanks to its savory sweetness and appealing crunch.
“I made this for my family last week, and everyone went back for seconds! The sauce was absolutely delicious and full of flavor!” – Happy Home Cook
How to make Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Step-by-step overview
Making this dish is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. The cooking process comes together seamlessly, allowing you to focus on enjoying a satisfying meal rather than stressing in the kitchen. Here’s how it unfolds: you’ll coat the chicken thighs for that perfect crispy finish, sauté garlic for aromatic flavor, and then simmer everything in a mouthwatering sauce.
Ingredients
What you’ll need
Gather these ingredients to create this delicious chicken dish:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp potato starch (for crispiness)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks green onion (green and white parts separated)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- Green onion greens (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Feel free to make substitutions, like using coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, or any preferred type of vinegar in place of rice vinegar!
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up nicely.
- On a large plate, combine the potato starch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each chicken thigh in the mixture.
- In a large frying pan, heat a generous amount of neutral oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 7 minutes each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic, the white parts of the green onion, and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the garlic turns golden.
- Pour in the prepared sauce ingredients (chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch) and cook for about a minute until it thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coating it well in the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with the green parts of the green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
How to serve Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Best ways to enjoy it
This dish shines when served over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside steamed greens. For a more casual touch, try it in a wrap with fresh veggies and a drizzle of extra sauce. Adding a side of pickled vegetables can bring a delightful crunch and acidity that pairs perfectly. Don’t forget those sesame seeds and garnished green onions for an elevated presentation!
How to store
Storage and reheating tips
To ensure your Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs remain fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing the chicken in a freezer-safe container where it can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
For the crispiest chicken thighs, ensure they are thoroughly dried before coating them in the starch and flour mix. You can also let them sit for a few minutes after coating for an even better crust. If you’re after extra flavor, feel free to marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce or garlic before starting the cooking process.
Variations
Creative twists
Feel free to switch things up! Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist, or throw in some vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a one-pan meal. For a spicy kick, swap the red chili flakes for fresh chopped chili or serve with a drizzle of sriracha.
Common questions
Your questions answered
What is the prep time for Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs?
Prep time is around 10-15 minutes, making it a quick dish to get on the table.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a different cooking time to stay juicy.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months, making it great for meal prep.
Whip up Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs for your next meal, and watch how everyone raves about it! Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
A quick and delicious chicken dish featuring tender thighs coated in a sticky soy garlic glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp potato starch
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks green onion (green and white parts separated)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Green onion greens (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- On a plate, mix potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken thigh in this mixture.
- Heat neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the coated chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, about 7 minutes each side, then set aside.
- Add minced garlic, white parts of green onion, and red chili flakes to the same pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes until garlic is golden.
- Pour in chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coat well in the sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onion greens and sesame seeds.
Notes
For the crispiest thighs, ensure they are dried before coating. Marinate for extra flavor if desired.