Garlic Ginger Chicken with Sticky Caramelized Soy Glaze and Rice

Mastering caramelised soy chicken

Caramelised soy chicken is a flavorful dish that beautifully balances sweet, savory, and aromatic notes. This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh ginger, and garlic, resulting in a rich caramel glaze that’s both sticky and savory. The chicken is cooked until golden and slightly charred, locking in juicy tenderness and deep flavor.

The recipe is simple to prepare and works well for weeknight dinners, providing a satisfying, balanced meal when served with fragrant garlic ginger broth, steamed rice, and crunchy cucumber slices. The broth, infused with ginger, garlic, and spring onions, adds warmth and depth, making this more than just a typical chicken dish.

This dish is versatile, allowing options such as swapping chicken thighs for breasts or tofu to suit different dietary needs. The caramelised soy chicken offers a vibrant culinary experience that is both easy to make and memorable at the table.

Benefits and Advantages of caramelised soy chicken

Easy and Quick Preparation

This recipe is straightforward and requires few steps, yet delivers impressive flavor results. The marinade comes together quickly, and the cooking process optimizes flavor through caramelization and broth simmering.

Balanced and Nutritious Meal

Lean protein from chicken thighs provides a satisfying element, while fresh ginger and garlic contribute antioxidants and digestive benefits. Moderate oil use keeps the dish from being overly rich, and the broth adds hydrating warmth.

Flavor Complexity

Combining sweet caramelized notes with the umami depth of soy sauce and the zing of fresh ginger creates a layered taste profile that appeals to many palates. The addition of toasted sesame seeds and spring onion oil adds texture and aroma.

Customizable

With possibilities for dietary adjustments like gluten-free tamari, vegan tofu substitutions, and salt adjustment, this dish suits many dietary preferences without compromising flavor.

Essential Ingredients for caramelised soy chicken

• 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) or regular soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, bashed
• 3 garlic cloves, bashed
• 1 cup chicken stock or broth
• 3 spring onions (white and green parts separated)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Cucumber slices (optional, for serving)
• Sambal (optional, for added heat)

Fresh ginger and garlic infuse the broth and marinade with warmth and depth, while kecap manis or soy sauce provides the signature caramelized sweetness and umami. Spring onions contribute subtle sharpness and freshness, especially the green parts wilted in sesame oil, which add aromatic complexity.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your caramelised soy chicken

Protein Alternatives

• Chicken breasts: Use trimmed, thinly sliced chicken breasts for a leaner option. Adjust cooking times as breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
• Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu pressed to remove excess water works well. Increase sauce amount to coat tofu thoroughly and pan-fry until golden.

Soy Sauce Variations

• Tamari: Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative, maintaining similar saltiness and umami.
• Coconut aminos: A soy-free and slightly sweeter option. You may want to reduce added sugar slightly.

Sweetener Swaps

• Honey or maple syrup: For natural sweeteners, especially if you want to avoid refined sugar. Note that these liquids may alter caramelization slightly and add distinct flavors.
• Sugar substitutes: Sukrin Gold or Swerve brown sugar alternatives can be used for low-sugar or diabetic-friendly versions. Adjust quantities to taste.

Oil Choices

• Sesame oil: Essential for flavor. If unavailable, use a small amount with neutral oil.
• Other neutral oils: Avocado or grapeseed oils work well as neutral bases for frying.

These substitutions allow you to tailor the caramelised soy chicken recipe to your dietary needs and ingredient availability while maintaining its characteristic flavor and texture. For insights into soy sauce varieties, visit How to Use Kecap Manis in Cooking.

How to Prepare the Perfect Caramelised Soy Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

This caramelised soy chicken recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory glaze that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. Follow these steps to make a delicious meal perfect for weeknights.

First Step: Prepare the Aromatic Broth

Bash together 2 tablespoons fresh ginger and 3 garlic cloves. In a saucepan, simmer them in 2 cups chicken stock along with the white parts of 3 spring onions over medium heat. This fragrant broth will infuse the dish with depth.

Second Step: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 3 tablespoons kecap manis or soy sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of ground white pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the sweet and savory flavors.

Third Step: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and slightly charred.

Fourth Step: Create the Caramelised Glaze

Add 1/4 cup water to the pan and simmer to reduce the liquid, stirring frequently to thicken it into a sticky caramelised glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.

Fifth Step: Prepare the Sesame Spring Onion Oil

Wilt the green parts of the spring onions gently in 1 tablespoon neutral oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. This fragrant condiment adds aroma and texture to the final dish.

Sixth Step: Assemble and Serve

Divide cooked rice among bowls, ladle over the aromatic garlic ginger broth, top with caramelised chicken and sliced cucumber for crunch. Drizzle with sambal and the prepared sesame spring onion oil, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired.

“Marinating the chicken thoroughly and simmering the glaze to thicken are key to achieving that irresistible sticky coating.”

Mastering Caramelised Soy Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations

Expert Techniques

• Marination: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deeper flavor.
• Choice of Soy Sauce: Use kecap manis for authentic sweetness or substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to caramelize the marinade but avoid burning by monitoring the chicken carefully.
• Broth Enhancement: Add a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of brown sugar to the broth for more umami depth.

Creative Variations

• Chicken Alternatives: Substitute chicken thighs with breasts for leaner meat or try firm tofu for a vegan version. Press tofu thoroughly and increase the cooking time slightly.
• Heat Level: Adjust sambal use to control spiciness; add fresh chili slices for an extra kick.
• Vegetable Sides: Serve with steamed bok choy, sautéed green beans, or crunchy pickled cucumber for textural contrast.
• Glaze Flavor: Incorporate a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar into the glaze for brightness and balance.

How to Store Caramelised Soy Chicken: Best Practices

Refrigeration

Store leftover caramelised soy chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the caramelised chicken separate from rice for optimal texture.

Freezing

• Freeze cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating Tips

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low-medium heat to avoid drying it out and revive the sticky glaze. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water helps maintain moisture.

Nutritional Value of Caramelised Soy Chicken

This dish offers a balanced mix of lean protein, carbohydrates from rice, and moderate fats from oils used in cooking. It serves as a filling yet nutrient-dense meal suitable for family dinners.

Chicken provides a great source of lean protein, while ginger and garlic add antioxidants and digestive benefits. Using moderate amounts of sesame and neutral oils keeps the fat content balanced. Learn more about the health benefits of chicken and the benefits of ginger.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Caramelised Soy Chicken

Garlic Ginger Chicken with Sticky Caramelized Soy Glaze and Rice

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🍗 Enjoy a flavorful blend of garlic, ginger, and soy in this delightful chicken dish with a sticky caramelized glaze.
🥢 Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, this recipe offers a balance of lean protein and aromatic spices.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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600 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons soy sauce or kecap manis
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, bashed
4 cloves garlic, bashed
2 cups chicken stock
2 spring onions, white and green parts separated
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2 cups cooked rice
1 cucumber, sliced
Sambal (optional)

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Instructions

1. Begin by bashing the ginger and garlic, then simmer them in chicken stock with the white parts of the spring onions to create a flavorful broth.
2. Marinate the chicken thighs in soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat neutral oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until golden and slightly charred.
4. Add a little water to the pan and allow the sauce to thicken, forming a glaze over the chicken.
5. Meanwhile, sauté the green parts of the spring onions in sesame oil until fragrant.
6. Divide cooked rice into bowls and ladle over some garlic ginger broth.
7. Top each bowl with caramelized chicken, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
8. Drizzle some sambal and the sesame spring onion oil over the top for added heat and aroma.

Notes

🔥 For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
🍗 Substitute chicken thighs with breasts or a vegan option if preferred.
💧 Ensure thorough marination and cooking of the glaze for the best flavor infusion.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marination time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Gluten-Free Option

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg