Soy Glazed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Soy Glazed Chicken is a savory, sweet, and umami-packed dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. The tender chicken is coated in a delicious soy-based glaze that provides the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors, making each bite irresistible. This dish is a great option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a special gathering. The glaze is simple to make, and the chicken can be cooked using a variety of methods, including pan-searing, grilling, or baking, giving you flexibility depending on your time and kitchen setup.

Soy Glazed Chicken is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, from steamed rice to stir-fried vegetables, making it an easy, well-rounded meal. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or preparing for a dinner party, this recipe will impress with its rich flavors and ease of preparation. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a meal that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Soy Glazed Chicken

• Rich, Umami Flavor: The soy glaze gives the chicken an irresistible depth of flavor with a combination of salty, sweet, and savory notes. It’s a flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, this recipe doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients. You likely already have everything you need at home!
• Quick and Easy: Soy Glazed Chicken comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the glaze to your liking. Want it spicier? Add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze. There are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
• Versatile: This dish can be served with a wide range of side dishes, from rice to roasted vegetables. You can even use the glaze to flavor tofu, shrimp, or other proteins for a new twist on the recipe.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the Soy Glazed Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soy Glaze:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 teaspoons water (if using cornstarch)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat

Special Equipment

While making Soy Glazed Chicken doesn’t require any specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will help streamline the cooking process:

1. Large Skillet or Pan: A large skillet or non-stick pan is perfect for cooking the chicken. A wide surface ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the glaze can reduce to a nice consistency.
2. Whisk: A small whisk is essential for combining the glaze ingredients. It ensures that the sauce comes together smoothly, without any lumps from the cornstarch or spices.
3. Grater or Zester: To make fresh ginger, use a fine grater or zester to ensure it’s finely minced and releases its aromatic oils.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to balancing the flavors in the glaze. Using standard measuring cups and spoons will help you get the right consistency and taste.
5. Tongs or a Spatula: These are essential for flipping the chicken while cooking to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides.
6. Basting Brush: If you want to brush extra glaze on the chicken while it cooks, a basting brush can make the process easy and ensure the chicken is well coated.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This will give the chicken some basic seasoning before adding the soy glaze.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the glaze.

2. Make the Soy Glaze

In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together using a whisk, making sure all the ingredients are well combined.

Allow the glaze to come to a simmer over medium heat. The honey will help the sauce thicken slightly, but if you prefer a thicker glaze, you can make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water, then whisk the mixture into the sauce. Continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.

If you like some heat, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze at this point. Stir well to combine.

3. Coat the Chicken with the Glaze

Once the glaze has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to turn the chicken in the sauce, coating it evenly on both sides. Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and become glossy with the sauce.

If you prefer extra glaze on your chicken, use a basting brush to apply more sauce over the top while it cooks. This will help deepen the flavor and create a sticky, flavorful finish.

4. Serve

Once the chicken is well coated in the glaze and has absorbed all the delicious flavors, remove it from the skillet. Place the chicken on a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve the Soy Glazed Chicken on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the chicken for added flavor. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.

Tips for Perfect Soy Glazed Chicken

• Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe as they cook quickly and are easy to slice. Thighs will offer a juicier result, while breasts are leaner.
• Watch the Heat: When cooking the chicken, make sure the skillet is hot but not smoking. Too much heat can cause the glaze to burn before the chicken is properly cooked.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a bit more honey or maple syrup. On the other hand, if you like a saltier flavor, feel free to use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce.
• Thicken the Glaze: For a thicker glaze, make sure to use the cornstarch slurry or simply let the glaze simmer for a little longer to reduce.
• Experiment with Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap the protein for tofu, shrimp, or even pork. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

Variations of Soy Glazed Chicken

• Spicy Soy Glazed Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick. This variation pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.
• Ginger Soy Glazed Chicken: If you love the flavor of ginger, double the amount of grated ginger in the glaze for an extra zing. This will give the chicken a more aromatic and bold flavor.
• Orange Soy Glazed Chicken: For a citrusy twist, substitute half of the rice vinegar with freshly squeezed orange juice. The sweetness of the orange juice complements the soy sauce beautifully.
• Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken: Add an extra clove or two of garlic for a more garlicky flavor. This works particularly well with roasted vegetables on the side.
• Baked Soy Glazed Chicken: Instead of pan-searing, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), season the chicken, and bake it on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, basting with the soy glaze halfway through.

Storage and Shelf Life

Soy Glazed Chicken is great for leftovers and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here’s how to store it properly:

• In the Refrigerator: Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze Soy Glazed Chicken, wrap the chicken in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Soy Glazed Chicken

Pair Soy Glazed Chicken with complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal:

• Steamed Rice: Soy Glazed Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the extra glaze, creating a satisfying combination of flavors.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots make a colorful and nutritious side dish to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Asian-Inspired Noodles: Serve the chicken with soba noodles or rice noodles tossed in a light sesame dressing for an Asian-inspired meal.
• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds is a refreshing side dish to offset the richness of the glazed chicken.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the savory soy glaze, adding a healthy and hearty element to the meal.

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Conclusion

Soy Glazed Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Whether you cook it on a busy weeknight or serve it at a dinner party, this dish will impress with its rich taste and tender chicken. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, Soy Glazed Chicken is the perfect addition to any meal rotation. Enjoy the versatility of this dish by pairing it with your favorite sides or experimenting with different variations, and savor the delicious results each time.