This soy sauce chicken is a simple yet deeply flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of honey with the bold umami of soy sauce and the warmth of ginger. Each bite is tender, juicy, and perfectly glazed. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with a fragrant Asian-inspired dish, this one is sure to please.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Rich and aromatic: A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
- Healthy and light: Made with lean chicken breast and a light glaze.
- Versatile: Great served with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves that sticky-sweet soy sauce coating!
What Is the Dish?
Soy sauce chicken is a popular Asian-style dish known for its savory-sweet glaze made with soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices like ginger or garlic. While traditional Chinese soy sauce chicken is often slow-braised, this quicker skillet version uses chicken breast pieces lightly floured and seared for a golden crust, then coated in a sticky, caramelized sauce. It’s a flavorful fusion of East-meets-West comfort food—easy to make and always satisfying.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh ginger: It adds brightness and depth to the sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Brown the chicken in batches if necessary for even color.
- Add a kick: Mix in a few chili flakes or sriracha for extra spice.
- Thicken the sauce: Simmer uncovered for the last few minutes until glossy.
- Serve with sides: Jasmine rice or sautéed greens complement the flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work wonderfully with the sweet-savory sauce.
How Do I Make the Sauce Spicier?
Add chili paste, cayenne, or fresh red chili slices for a fiery touch.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely—use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
What Can I Serve with Soy Sauce Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Keep cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet.
How to Store
Allow the soy sauce chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
How to Freeze
Freeze cooled soy sauce chicken in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over low heat until hot and glossy again.
Ingredients
How to Make Soy Sauce Chicken
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Cut the chicken breast into small pieces and coat them lightly in flour. Shake off any excess.
Cut the chicken breast into small pieces and coat them lightly in flour. Shake off any excess.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chicken over medium heat for a few minutes, turning often, until golden.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chicken over medium heat for a few minutes, turning often, until golden.
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In another pan, combine soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until blended.
In another pan, combine soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until blended.
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Pour the soy mixture over the browned chicken. Stir well to coat all the pieces evenly.
Pour the soy mixture over the browned chicken. Stir well to coat all the pieces evenly.
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Cook over low heat for 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
Cook over low heat for 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot with rice or vegetables.
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