Name: Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; Sliced green onions and sesame seeds

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If you’re hunting for that sweet spot between savory, garlicky, and totally finger-licking, these Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are about to become your new weeknight staple. This easy dish transforms humble chicken thighs into glossy, caramelized jewels, thanks to a quick marinade of soy, honey, fresh ginger, and vibrant garlic that soaks into every bite. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and has everyone clamoring for seconds. Whether it’s a speedy dinner or the star of your weekend spread, Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs check every box for flavor, flexibility, and family-friendly ease.

Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor these Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs pack. Every item is chosen for the way it amplifies taste and texture—no fillers, just the good stuff that brings this vibrant dish to life!

Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for super juicy results that soak up every ounce of flavor.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The backbone of the marinade; watch the sodium to keep the dish balanced and not overly salty.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce glaze the chicken beautifully as it cooks.
Rice Vinegar: Gives a bright, tangy lift so each bite pops with freshness.
Sesame Oil: Just a tablespoon brings rich, toasty depth that rounds out the sauce.
Garlic: Four cloves, minced, add that irreplaceable punch all true Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs need.
Fresh Ginger: A teaspoon of grated ginger delivers a lively, aromatic background note.
Black Pepper: Just a touch for gentle heat and complexity.
Cornstarch Slurry (optional): For those who love a thick, glossy sauce, a quick mix with water turns the pan juices into a luscious glaze.
Sliced Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Fresh scallions and a sprinkle of sesame make for a garnish that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.

How to Make Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Mix Up a Bold Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and black pepper. This marinade is where the magic happens—you want everything thoroughly combined so each chicken thigh can bathe in those sweet, salty, garlicky flavors that give Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs their signature taste.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, making sure every piece gets coated. Pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes—though up to 8 hours is even better if you have the time. The longer mingle, the bigger the savory payoff, as those flavors really seep in and tenderize the chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Pull the chicken thighs out of the marinade (but don’t toss that leftover marinade—hang onto it for the sauce). Cook the thighs for 6 to 7 minutes per side, letting them pick up a gorgeously golden brown color and sealing in those juices. When done, set the chicken aside on a plate and keep it warm.

Step 4: Make the Soy Garlic Sauce

Pour the reserved marinade into the now-empty skillet and bring it to a simmer—it’ll sizzle up, picking up all those tasty brown bits left from the chicken. If you like a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until you’ve got a glossy, velvety glaze that clings to your spoon.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Slide the chicken back into the skillet, gently turning each piece to coat it in that luxurious, soy-garlic sauce. Scatter with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving. Your Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are ready to shine—soak up every last drop of that sauce!

How to Serve Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

A classic touch of green onions and sesame seeds goes a long way here, offering crunch, color, and a hint of oniony freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sticky, sweet-savory chicken. Try a squeeze of fresh lime, too, for a citrusy kick.

Side Dishes

Think bright and simple! Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice are perfect for absorbing the extra sauce. Add a mound of stir-fried bok choy, snow peas, or a colorful Asian slaw to round out the plate and keep things vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing twist, slice the chicken and tuck it into lettuce cups, or serve over ramen noodles with extra broth and veggies. You can even skewer chunks of Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs and grill them for party-worthy appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before sliding them into an airtight container. Refrigerated, your Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs will stay tender and flavorful for up to 3 days—making them perfect for meal prep and next-day lunches.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe bag or container, keeping a bit of the sauce alongside to lock in juiciness. They’ll keep well for about 2 months and thaw best in the fridge overnight for minimal texture loss.

Reheating

To keep things moist, reheat Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning some sauce on top. In a pinch, the microwave works too—cover the chicken to help it steam and avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work great in place of thighs—just adjust the cooking time, as they tend to cook a bit faster and can dry out if overdone. Keep an eye on them and aim for juicy, just-cooked flesh.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Even 30 minutes in the marinade gives plenty of flavor, but up to 8 hours is fantastic if you have the time. The longer the chicken soaks, the deeper the savory, garlicky flavors will go—so it’s worth prepping ahead if possible.

Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, try apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each brings its own subtle tang, though rice vinegar is classic for authentic Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, a dash of sriracha, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet soy-garlic glaze.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Definitely! Grilling adds a lovely smoky char and keeps the chicken super juicy—just brush with extra marinade as it cooks, and don’t forget to finish with that sticky-sweet sauce for classic Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs—succulent, sweet, and savory, with a glistening sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises smiles and second helpings. Give it a try and see just how simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing homemade takeout can be!

Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delicious Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. The marinade infuses the chicken with savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic, creating a dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade:

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Thickening (optional):

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

Sliced green onions and sesame seeds

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over them, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook Chicken: Preheat a skillet, cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Thicken Sauce: Simmer reserved marinade in the skillet, add cornstarch slurry if desired, and cook until thickened.
Coat Chicken: Return chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.