This Caramelized Soy Chicken is sweet and savory, cooked in a tasty garlic ginger broth. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something warm and comforting!
The chicken gets all nice and caramelized, making it hard to resist. I love serving it over fluffy rice—it’s the best part! Who can say no to a big bowl of goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer using chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you want a leaner option, chicken breasts work too, but they might be less tender.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds saltiness while dark soy sauce gives a lovely color and depth. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind they can change the final flavor slightly.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh is best for vibrant flavor! If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can work, but start with a smaller amount. Garlic powder can substitute for fresh garlic if needed.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium broth keeps it from being too salty. Vegetable broth can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Chicken?
Getting that nice caramelization on the chicken is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it right. Start by making sure your pan is hot before you add the chicken.
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear without overcrowding the pan. If it’s too crowded, the chicken will steam instead.
- After adding the chicken, resist the urge to move them around too much. Let them sit to form a golden crust, about 4-5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is golden, add onions, garlic, and ginger for fragrance, making sure to stir often to avoid burning.
- Adding the brown sugar allows the chicken to caramelize beautifully. Stir it in well, and keep an eye on the heat to prevent it from burning.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have deliciously caramelized chicken every time!
Caramelized Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color and deeper flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or palm sugar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Optional: red chili flakes or fresh chili for a bit of heat
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just about 35 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cut chicken pieces. Let them sear until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This will lock in the juices and flavor!
2. Adding Aromatics:
Now, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and sliced ginger to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the onions are soft.
3. Caramelizing the Chicken:
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the chicken. Start stirring to coat every piece with the sugar. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The sugar will start to caramelize and create a lovely glaze.
4. Creating the Broth:
Now it’s time for the soy sauces! Pour the soy sauce and dark soy sauce over the chicken, stirring well to coat the pieces. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
5. Cooking it Through:
Reduce the heat to low and let it all cook together for about 10 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully. If you want some spice, this is a good time to add red chili flakes or fresh chili!
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the sesame oil and taste your broth. Add salt and pepper as needed to adjust the flavor. It should taste savory and sweet.
7. Serving It Up:
To serve, ladle the caramelized soy chicken and its delicious broth over bowls of hot cooked white rice. The rice will soak up all the wonderful flavors!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and an optional drizzle of extra sesame oil for added flavor.
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Caramelized Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but keep in mind that breasts may not be as juicy. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly, as breasts cook faster than thighs.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat on the stove before serving, and it should taste great!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the broth thickens, you can add a splash of water or extra broth to loosen it up.
Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder dish, leave out the chili flakes or fresh chili. For a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of chili or add a dash of sriracha when serving.
