Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Introduction: Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a simple, flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory taste of soy sauce with the aromatic punch of garlic. This easy-to-make recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend, then cooked to perfection. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, packed with bold flavors that everyone will love. Plus, chicken thighs are naturally more forgiving when it comes to cooking, offering a juicy, tender bite every time.
The History of Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs have long been a popular cut of meat, particularly in cuisines around the world. Historically, dark meat was considered more flavorful and moist than white meat, which is why thighs are a go-to choice for slow cooking and marinating. In recent years, chicken thighs have become increasingly popular due to their rich flavor and tender texture.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. Made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt, it became an essential ingredient in many East Asian cuisines. Soy sauce is often used for its salty, umami flavor that enhances the taste of both savory and sweet dishes.
- Garlic: Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated crops and has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for over 5,000 years. It’s believed to have originated in Central Asia and is used across the globe for its pungent, savory flavor. Garlic is known for its strong aroma and health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to boost the immune system.
- Honey (optional): Honey is one of the oldest natural sweeteners used by humans, dating back to ancient Egypt. It’s been a staple in both sweet and savory dishes, valued for its sweetness and ability to balance salty and tangy flavors in cooking.
Breakdown of Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, skin-on or skinless, depending on your preference. Bone-in thighs tend to have more flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the marinade.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic depth and a savory punch.
- Honey (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce and garlic.
- Ginger (optional): Fresh grated ginger gives a zesty kick, enhancing the depth of the marinade.
- Sesame Oil (optional): A small amount of sesame oil adds a nutty flavor and richness to the marinade.
- Green Onions (for garnish): Adds freshness and a slight crunch to complement the cooked chicken.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional for acidity)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar (if using), black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Whisk until the honey dissolves and the marinade is well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Preheat the Oven (or Skillet):
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if you’re baking the chicken. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stove.
- Cook the Chicken:
- For Oven-Baked Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
- Optional: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- For Skillet-Cooked Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil if necessary.
- Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 7-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For Oven-Baked Chicken:
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven or skillet.
- Drizzle with any remaining marinade (you can simmer it in a saucepan for a couple of minutes to ensure it’s safe to eat).
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Enjoy!
- Serve your soy garlic chicken thighs with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs:
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours.
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, be sure to bake the chicken skin-side up and avoid overcrowding the pan if using a skillet.
- Grill Option: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken thighs on medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the thighs.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the honey amount based on how sweet you want the glaze to be. You can also omit it entirely for a more savory dish.
- Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.
Variations and Customizations:
- Spicy Soy Garlic Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Add Vegetables: Toss vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots in the marinade and bake them alongside the chicken for a one-pan meal.
- Use Boneless Skinless Thighs: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes.
- Make it Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the honey if you’re looking to cut back on salt or sugar.
- Grilled Version: Marinate and then grill the chicken thighs for a smoky, charred flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
- Chicken Thighs: Rich in protein, iron, and zinc, chicken thighs also contain higher amounts of fat compared to chicken breasts, which helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a source of sodium, so it’s best to use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish healthier. It also provides a boost of umami flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic is not only flavorful but also has numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
- Honey: A natural sweetener, honey contains antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds healthy fats, including omega-3s, and imparts a rich, nutty flavor.
One serving of soy garlic chicken thighs (one thigh with marinade) typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the size of the thighs and how much honey is used. Pair it with a healthy side like vegetables or rice for a balanced meal.
FAQ:
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes! While chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster, they can be substituted for chicken thighs. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
2. Can I use other cuts of chicken? You can use drumsticks or wings, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in cuts require longer cooking times than boneless pieces.
3. Can I cook the chicken in a slow cooker? Yes, you can slow cook the marinated chicken on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, the chicken can be marinated overnight and cooked the next day. The flavors will only improve with more time.
5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked? The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked and safe to eat.
6. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative in place of regular soy sauce.
Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a simple, flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory taste of soy sauce with the aromatic punch of garlic. This easy-to-make recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend, then cooked to perfection. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, packed with bold flavors that everyone will love. Plus, chicken thighs are naturally more forgiving when it comes to cooking, offering a juicy, tender bite every time.
Ingredients
- 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 seperated
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken stock sub: water & chicken bouillon
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Garnish
- Green onion green part
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- 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 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 saute 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.
Notes
- Make sure everything is prepped and ready before cooking. This comes together quickly. It makes everything go smoother.
- LIGHTLY bread the chicken. You don’t want chicken to be heavily breaded. The breading is to create a nice light crust.
- Double the recipe of the sauce. The sauce is a great sauce throughout the week. I like to make it ahead of time and just get the sauce out from the fridge when I am ready to cook with it.
- If you don’t want to pan-fry, simply air fry or bake the chicken until crispy and add the crispy chicken to the sauce.