Description
Juicy chicken marinated in a rich, savory soy glaze, then baked to perfection. This dish is a delicious fusion of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any dinner table.
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
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 25-30g