why make this recipe
This dish is fast, tasty, and easy. The sauce is sweet and savory. The garlic and soy flavor coat the chicken well. You can make it for weeknight dinners or a quick meal with rice.
introduction
Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs uses simple ingredients and little prep. The chicken gets a light crisp on the outside and stays juicy inside. The sauce cooks quickly and becomes glossy. You can make it with pantry staples.
how to make Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Follow the steps below in order. Read all steps first, then cook.
Ingredients :
- Chicken: 1 lb chicken thighs boneless skinless
- 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 for pan frying
- 8 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks green onion (green and white parts separated)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- Sauce: 1/2 cup chicken stock (sub: water & chicken bouillon)
- Sauce: 3 tbsp honey
- Sauce: 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Sauce: 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- Sauce: 1 tsp cornstarch
- Garnish: Green onion (green part)
- Garnish: Sesame seeds
Directions :
- SOY GARLIC CHICKEN SAUCE: combine all the sauce ingredients — 1/2 cup chicken stock (or sub with water and chicken bouillon), 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch. Mix then set aside.
- CHICKEN: Dry the boneless skinless chicken thighs with a paper towel.
- Mix the potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on a large plate. Lightly coat the chicken thighs on both sides.
- Heat enough neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- SAUCE: In the same pan, add the minced garlic, the white part of the green onion, and red chili flakes and sauté for 3 minutes until the garlic is golden brown.
- Add the sauce to the pan and cook for 1 minute or until the sauce has thickened. Add the chicken back to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and covered with the glossy sauce.
- Serve it with your favorite veggies and steamed rice.
how to serve Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Serve hot over steamed rice. Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables on the side. Sprinkle green onion greens and sesame seeds on top. You can also serve it with noodles or a simple salad.
how to store Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Cool the chicken to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.
tips to make Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Pat the chicken dry to get a better crust.
- Use medium-high heat so the chicken browns but does not burn.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed.
- Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back and adjust honey or soy if needed.
- Mince garlic small so it browns evenly and does not burn.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicier: add more red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- Make it less sweet: reduce honey to 2 tbsp.
- Use bone-in thighs: cook a bit longer until fully done.
- Use chicken breast: adjust frying time to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
A: Thaw fully in the fridge before cooking. Pat dry to remove extra moisture.
Q: Can I skip potato starch?
A: Yes. You can use only flour, but the potato starch helps make a crisp coating.
Q: Is dark soy sauce necessary?
A: Dark soy adds color and depth. You can use regular soy sauce, but the color will be lighter.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Mix the sauce and keep it in the fridge up to 2 days. Stir before using.
Conclusion
For a quick weeknight meal, try this recipe and pair it with rice or veggies. For a similar honey-forward version, see Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe. If you want another take on soy and garlic flavors, check Soy Garlic Chicken. For more garlic-soy ideas and tips, read Garlic Soy Chicken – Craving Home Cooked.
Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp potato starch Helps achieve a crisp coating
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp neutral oil for pan frying
- 8 cloves garlic (minced) Mince small for even cooking
- 2 stalks green onion (green and white parts separated)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes Adjust for spice preference
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (or water & chicken bouillon)
- 3 tbsp honey Reduce for less sweetness
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce Adds color and depth
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Garnish
- Green onion (green part)
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine all the sauce ingredients: chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix then set aside.
- Dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel.
- Mix the potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on a large plate. Lightly coat the chicken thighs on both sides.
Cooking
- Heat enough neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic, the white part of the green onion, and red chili flakes and sauté for 3 minutes until the garlic is golden brown.
- Add the sauce to the pan and cook for 1 minute or until the sauce has thickened. Add the chicken back to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and covered with the glossy sauce.
