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Ginger Soy Glazed Chicken

ginger soy glazed chicken - featured image

This Ginger Soy Glazed Chicken is a quick and easy Chinese-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sticky, sweet-salty ginger soy glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers bold flavor with simple pantry ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 680g)
  • 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for cooking, e.g., canola or vegetable oil)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut into large bite-sized pieces (about 2-inch chunks).
  2. In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
  3. Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Pour the ginger soy glaze over the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook uncovered for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly reduced.
  5. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the pan and simmer for 1-2 minutes more, until the glaze is thick and glossy. Add a tablespoon of water if sauce is too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
  6. Optional: For extra caramelization, transfer chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra glaze, and broil on high for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or with stir-fried veggies.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh ginger and chicken thighs. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste. To make gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos. For a vegetarian version, substitute firm tofu or tempeh. Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat. Leftovers keep well and the glaze thickens in the fridge—add a splash of water when reheating. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry for a restaurant-style glossy finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: ginger soy chicken, Chinese chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, sticky glaze, Asian chicken, skillet chicken, family favorite, gluten-free option, meal prep