Description
Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs bring serious flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Marinated in a punchy blend of soy sauce, garlic, and secret spices, these tender chicken thighs deliver a mouthwatering meal that makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins:
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F.
- Carefully place 1 ½ pounds skin-side down chicken thighs into the hot pan. Sear for exactly 6 minutes until skin turns deep golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook additional 4 minutes on the other side. Transfer meat to a clean plate, keeping pan drippings.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burning.
- Pour ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil into the pan. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon black pepper and ½ teaspoon chili flakes into the sauce. Let mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Return chicken thighs to pan, coating each piece with sauce. Cover and cook at 325°F for 11 minutes.
- Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a smooth slurry. Pour into pan and stir until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most tender and flavorful result.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the soy and garlic to deeply penetrate the meat.
- For a crispy exterior, pat the chicken dry before cooking and use high heat when searing.
- If avoiding soy, substitute with coconut aminos for a similar umami flavor that works well for gluten-free diets.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-26 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 314 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg