Name: Soy Glazed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 5 boneless chicken thighs; 1/2 cup cornstarch; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp oil, for frying; 3 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or substitute with regular soy sauce); 1 tsp five spice powder; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; Sesame seeds, for garnish; 1 scallion, chopped, for garnish

Soy Glazed Chicken is one of those irresistible dishes that instantly brightens up any dinner table with its sweet-savory aroma, glistening caramel glaze, and juicy, tender bites. This recipe is a modern classic, riffing off Chinese flavors with a quick-and-easy method anyone can follow. Whether you’re hosting friends or cooking up a low-fuss family meal, Soy Glazed Chicken delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort – I absolutely can’t wait to walk you through every delicious step!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Soy Glazed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart of this recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role. Whether it’s the comforting richness of chicken thighs or the magical duo of soy sauce and honey, every item in this recipe contributes to the bold taste, tender texture, and rich color that defines Soy Glazed Chicken.

Chicken thighs, boneless: This cut stays ultra-juicy and soaks up the glaze beautifully; boneless pieces cook faster and are easier to slice for serving.
Cornstarch: Creates a crisp, golden crust on the chicken that clings to the luscious glaze.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweet and savory notes of the sauce.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning.
Sesame seeds: A final flourish that gives visual pop and a delicate crunch.
Scallion, chopped: Brightens each bite with a gentle oniony freshness.
Oil, for frying: Helps crisp up the exterior of the chicken for that restaurant-style finish.
Unsalted butter: Lends silkiness to the glaze, making it glossy and deeply flavorful.
Honey: The natural sweetness caramelizes in the sauce for irresistible stickiness.
Soy sauce: Brings salt and umami, the anchor of the signature taste.
Dark soy sauce: Adds richness and deep color – but you can substitute with regular soy sauce if needed!
Five spice powder: Fragrant, aromatic warmth that makes this dish uniquely crave-worthy.
Garlic, grated: Savory and punchy, it laces the sauce with subtle heat.

How to Make Soy Glazed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This little trick isn’t just about neatness – it ensures the coating sticks perfectly and the chicken sears up golden, not soggy. Dry chicken means crispier, better results!

Step 2: Coat in Cornstarch Mixture

In a shallow dish, mix together your cornstarch, kosher salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh thoroughly in this mixture until every nook and cranny is fully dusted. The cornstarch delivers that signature shatteringly crisp bite and acts like glue for the delicious sauce later.

Step 3: Sear and Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Gently lay your coated chicken in, giving each piece enough space to sizzle without crowding. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side – long enough for a deep, golden crust to form and for the meat to cook through. Once the chicken is done, set it aside on a plate while you build the glaze.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Without cleaning the pan (all those golden bits have flavor!), lower the heat slightly and melt in the unsalted butter. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom – this step brings loads of depth and complexity to your sauce.

Step 5: Mix and Simmer the Soy Glaze

Whisk honey, both types of soy sauce, five spice powder, and grated garlic together until smooth. Pour into your pan, swirling to mix it with melted butter and any leftover chicken juices. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. The aroma here is absolutely intoxicating!

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Slide the crispy chicken back into the pan, turning to coat every piece in that glossy, clingy glaze. Let it sit in the sauce for a minute or two, then slice the chicken into strips. Pile onto a dish and shower with sesame seeds and chopped scallion before serving. If you like, spoon a little extra sauce over the top for good measure – you won’t regret it!

How to Serve Soy Glazed Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing your Soy Glazed Chicken is both fun and essential! Reach for a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty snap, and scatter a handful of vibrant chopped scallions right before serving. For extra zing, thin-sliced chilies or a squeeze of lime can help brighten things up. These little touches aren’t just pretty – they balance the rich glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

Soy Glazed Chicken pairs like a dream with fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up every last drop of glossy sauce. Steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or slender green beans all make excellent veggie accompaniments. For a heartier meal, try serving it with garlic noodles or over a bed of fried rice – your guests (and your tastebuds) will thank you.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the dinner plate! Thinly sliced Soy Glazed Chicken is amazing wrapped in lettuce with a dab of sriracha or tucked into a warm bao bun with fresh herbs. You can even toss bite-sized pieces over a crisp cabbage salad with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an Asian-inspired lunch. Let your presentation style match the occasion or your craving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Soy Glazed Chicken completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll stay delicious and moist for up to 3 days – perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners. Just make sure the chicken and extra sauce are both sealed up tight to preserve their flavors.

Freezing

If you’d like to stock up for busy days ahead, Soy Glazed Chicken can be frozen! Once cooked and cooled, slice the chicken and freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container alongside a portion of the sauce. Aim to use within 2 months for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as below.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat your Soy Glazed Chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning over a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the glaze if needed. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it may toughen the meat – a minute or two on the stovetop preserves that irresistible juiciness and shine.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe, especially if you pound them flat first so they cook evenly. Just keep an eye on your cook time, as breasts may take a little less time than thighs. The result is still beautifully tender and just as flavorful.

What can I use if I don’t have dark soy sauce?

No worries! Substitute the amount of dark soy sauce with the same amount of regular soy sauce. You may notice the finished glaze is a little lighter in color, but the savory taste will be just as delicious.

Is this Soy Glazed Chicken very spicy?

As written, the recipe has no heat, making it great for families and spice-averse eaters. If you like things hot, add red chili flakes or a dab of sriracha to the sauce – you can totally make it your own!

How do I keep the chicken crispy after glazing?

The cornstarch coating creates a crispy shell that soaks up the glaze without getting soggy right away. For the best texture, serve Soy Glazed Chicken right after tossing in the sauce; if holding, keep it uncovered on a wire rack in a warm oven until ready.

Can I double the sauce for extra drizzling?

Definitely! Many people love making extra sauce – simply double all the sauce ingredients and cook as directed. Spoon any surplus over rice, steamed veggies, or even noodles for a gloriously saucy meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a reliable showstopper or a quick weeknight meal with a special twist, Soy Glazed Chicken truly delivers. Its satisfyingly sticky glaze, punchy aromatics, and family-friendly appeal never fail to delight. I hope you’ll give it a try – let your kitchen fill with those sweet, savory aromas and dig into something unforgettable!