Name: Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons potato starch; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons neutral oil for pan-frying; 8 cloves garlic, minced; 2 stalks green onion (green and white parts separated); 1 teaspoon red chili flakes; ½ cup chicken stock (or substitute with water and chicken bouillon); 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; Green onions (green part); Sesame seeds

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Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a simple yet delicious dish that’s packed with flavor. Crispy, lightly breaded chicken thighs are coated in a savory-sweet soy garlic sauce that will leave you craving more. This easy one-pan recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat. You’ll love the juicy chicken combined with the fragrant sauce, making every bite irresistible!

Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little bit of spice, making it incredibly flavorful. The chicken thighs come out crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. The soy garlic sauce adds a rich and glossy finish to the chicken, taking it to the next level. Plus, it all comes together in just 30 minutes, and the best part is that it can be made in just one pan for easy cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these soy garlic chicken thighs will be a hit every time!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons potato starch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons neutral oil for pan-frying
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks green onion (green and white parts separated)
1 teaspoon red chili flakes

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup chicken stock (or substitute with water and chicken bouillon)
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch

For Garnish:

Green onions (green part)
Sesame seeds

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir well and set aside.
Prep the Chicken: Pat the boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better.
Coat the Chicken: On a large plate, mix together the potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each chicken thigh on both sides with the mixture.
Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat enough neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic, the white part of the green onions, and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the garlic turns golden brown.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the garlic and onions. Let it cook for about 1 minute, or until the sauce has thickened.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in the sauce and become glossy and coated.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the green part of the green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with your favorite vegetables and steamed rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Soy Garlic Chicken: Add extra red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Crispy Chicken in the Air Fryer: If you prefer, you can air-fry the chicken thighs until crispy and then toss them in the sauce. This eliminates the need for pan-frying.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish. Ensure the tofu is pressed and sliced before cooking to achieve the right texture.
Sweet Soy Garlic Sauce: Add an extra tablespoon of honey to the sauce for those who prefer a sweeter flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a pan over low heat, adding a little extra chicken stock or water to keep the sauce from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the texture may not be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skin-on chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that skin-on chicken may require a slightly longer cooking time, especially on the skin side.

Can I make this dish with bone-in chicken thighs?

Bone-in chicken thighs can also work, but they will need longer to cook, especially to ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature. An instant-read thermometer is helpful for this.

Can I substitute the potato starch?

If you don’t have potato starch, you can use cornstarch as a substitute. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work well.

What can I serve with soy garlic chicken thighs?

These chicken thighs pair wonderfully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or even a fresh cucumber salad. You can also serve them with noodles for a hearty meal.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs with the sauce. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soy garlic sauce ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, and then reheat when you’re ready to cook the chicken.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour and substitute soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, pork chops, or even beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking times as needed based on the type of meat.

How can I make the chicken more crispy?

For extra crispiness, coat the chicken with an additional layer of potato starch before pan-frying. You can also fry the chicken longer for a crunchier texture.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes! Feel free to toss in some sliced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli along with the chicken to make this a one-pan meal with vegetables cooked in the flavorful sauce.

Conclusion

These Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are the perfect balance of crispy chicken and flavorful sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress guests, this recipe delivers on both taste and simplicity. The rich soy garlic sauce, combined with the lightly crispy chicken, makes for a mouthwatering meal. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor – exactly what you need for a delicious meal in no time!