This Caramelised Soy Chicken is a tasty mix of flavors, with juicy chicken coated in sweet soy sauce. The garlic and ginger broth adds a warm, cozy touch that’s hard to resist!
Whenever I make this dish, the yummy smell fills the kitchen, and I can’t wait to dig in. Serve it over fluffy rice, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a big hug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this dish as they stay juicy and tender. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may require a bit more careful cooking to prevent drying out.
Soy Sauce: Dark and light soy sauce is great for a balanced flavor. If you’re looking for lower sodium options or gluten-free versions, you can use tamari sauce. Coconut aminos are also a fantastic substitute that brings a bit of sweetness.
Brown Sugar: I love using brown sugar for its richness; however, if you want a healthier option, honey or maple syrup could work. Coconut sugar is also a flavorful switch if you’re trying to keep it natural.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add a sharp, zesty flavor. If needed, you can use garlic and ginger paste, but fresh always gives the best aroma and taste. Plus, grating fresh ginger is a delightful culinary exercise!
What’s the Secret to Caramelising Chicken Perfectly?
Caramelising chicken adds that delicious depth of flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Heat the Pan: It’s crucial to get your skillet hot before adding the chicken. This helps create that golden crust.
- Don’t Rush It: Once the chicken is in the pan, resist the urge to move it around. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes skin-side down until it caramelises.
- Use the Marinade Wisely: Pouring the reserved marinade into the pan at the end not only coats the chicken but adds an extra layer of flavor.
With these tips, your chicken will have all that lovely color and taste that makes this dish special!
Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Caramelised Soy Chicken:
- 500g boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Garlic Ginger Broth:
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thinly
- 1-2 stalks green onion (white part), chopped
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice
- 2 green onions (green parts), thinly sliced for garnish
- 1 small red chili, sliced thinly (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes of preparation and cooking time. After marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours), the cooking process is quick, taking about 15-20 minutes to caramelise the chicken and prepare the broth. You can easily have a comforting meal ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice caramelisation. In a bowl, mix together the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, brown sugar, and optional oyster sauce until the sugar is fully dissolved. Place the chicken in the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. For the best flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours.
2. Caramelise the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade (but don’t discard the marinade) and place it skin-side down in the pan. Leave it alone for about 5-7 minutes so the skin can become nice and golden. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 5 minutes until cooked through. Pour in the reserved marinade and allow it to reduce slightly, coating the chicken well. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into pieces.
3. Make the Garlic Ginger Broth:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a separate pot and bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add the minced garlic, sliced ginger, and the chopped white part of the green onions. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to let all those lovely flavors mingle. If you prefer a smooth broth, strain out the solid pieces. Return the broth to the pot and stir in the light soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt to taste. Keep it warm on low heat.
4. Cook the Rice:
Prepare the jasmine or long-grain rice according to the package instructions. Once fully cooked, you can mold it into small shapes if you’re feeling fancy. Just use a bowl or ring mold, and your rice will look great on the plate!
5. Assemble the Dish:
To serve, take a bowl and place the molded rice on one side. Lay out the beautiful slices of caramelised chicken next to it. Then, ladle the hot garlic ginger broth generously around the rice and chicken for a cozy, inviting presentation.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Top the chicken with sliced green onions and, if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle on some red chili slices for a pop of color. Serve immediately while everything is hot and enjoy this heartwarming meal!
Dig in and enjoy the burst of flavors from the sweet soy chicken and the fragrant garlic ginger broth paired perfectly with rice. It’s comfort food at its finest!
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Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Thighs Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs! Just be aware that they will take slightly longer to cook—about 10-15 minutes more. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adjust the seasoning accordingly for a delicious meat-free meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a little bit of molasses (1 tbsp molasses to 1 cup white sugar) for a similar flavor. Honey or maple syrup can also work as alternatives, but these may change the consistency slightly.
