Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken

Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken is one of my favorite dishes to make. The combination of the crunchy chicken and the rich soy-garlic glaze creates an amazing flavor that everyone loves. Whenever I prepare Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken, my family gathers around the kitchen, their mouths watering in anticipation. I can still remember the first time I served it for dinner; my kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds! It’s such an easy recipe that even beginners can make it without any stress.

The Marinade Magic

To start with Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken, I prepare the marinade. It’s a simple mix of soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, ginger, and rice vinegar. As I whisk these ingredients together, the sweet and savory aroma fills the kitchen, making my mouth water. I season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then let them soak in the marinade for at least thirty minutes. The longer it sits, the more flavor the chicken absorbs. I usually use bone-in, skin-on thighs because they come out extra juicy and tender, perfect for this dish!

Coating and Cooking

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat it with cornstarch. This step is essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture. I shake off any excess marinade and dredge each piece in cornstarch, pressing lightly to ensure every bit gets coated. Heating the vegetable oil in a nonstick pan, I place the chicken thighs skin-side down. The sizzle as they hit the pan is music to my ears! I cook them until they turn golden brown and fully cooked through, and I always check the temperature with my instant-read thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F. The smell in my kitchen is irresistible, and I can hardly wait to serve this dish!

When my Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken is ready, I transfer it to a serving plate and drizzle it with any leftover glaze from the pan. I love to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions on top for an extra pop of flavor and color. As I serve it to my family, their eyes light up with excitement. This dish never fails to impress, and the taste is even better than I remember! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken always brings joy to our table.

Chef’s Notes- Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken

• Maximize Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for longer than 30 minutes if possible; up to 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator will intensify the flavor.
• Ensure Crispiness: Always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before dredging in cornstarch. This step helps the coating adhere better and achieves a crispier texture.
• Cornstarch Coating: For an even crunchier result, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the marinade and then again into the cornstarch before cooking.
• Cooking Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; a drop of water should sizzle when added to the pan. This ensures a quick sear that locks in moisture.
• Resting After Cooking: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
• Leftover Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or a light salad. Add some pickled vegetables for a refreshing crunch.
• Healthier Options: For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken on a wire rack in the oven instead of frying, allowing excess oil to drip away.

Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main Course, Side DishCuisine: Chinese, Soul FoodDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Total time

40

minutes

Dive into the irresistible flavors of our Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken! This easy-to-make dish combines perfectly crunchy chicken pieces with a rich soy-garlic glaze, enhanced by toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it offers a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing favorite!

Ingredients

• Protein

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• Marinade

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• Coating

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Garnish

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

• 3 green onions, finely sliced

• Cooking

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option

• Soy Sauce: Tamari for gluten-free alternative

• Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan substitute

• Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio

• Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour if not gluten-free

• Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or avocado oil as substitutes

Directions

• Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk until well blended, ensuring the honey dissolves completely. This mixture will infuse the chicken with rich, savory flavors.
• Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the marinade. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in cornstarch, pressing lightly to ensure an even, crispy coating.
• Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken thighs, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. An instant read thermometer should register 165°F for safety.
• Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Optional Step – Sauce Reduction: For a thicker glaze, return the remaining marinade to the pan and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until it reduces to a syrupy consistency before drizzling over the chicken.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Nonstick Pan
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• silicone spatula set
• instant read thermometer
• baking sheet
• roasting pan

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 35g
• Vitamin A: 10IU
• Vitamin C: 8mg
• Calcium: 6mg
• Iron: 10mg

FAQs- Crispy Soy-Garlic Chicken

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used. They will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time to about 4-5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

How can I make the dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the marinade or garnish with sliced fresh chili peppers before serving.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to marinate the chicken.

What can I substitute for honey if I want a vegan option?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey to make this recipe vegan-friendly.