This dish features juicy chicken glazed in sweet caramelized soy sauce, warmed up with garlic and ginger. Served with rice, it’s a cozy meal that brings comfort to your table!
Honestly, the smell alone is enough to make your mouth water. I love how easy it is to put together, turning an ordinary dinner into something special in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. However, chicken breasts also work well if you prefer a leaner option.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce brings a nice salty depth. If you want a gluten-free version, tamari soy sauce is a great substitute.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken. You could use honey or maple syrup if you don’t have brown sugar on hand.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are key for flavor. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder and ginger powder, but the fresh ingredients make a big difference!
Chicken Broth: Homemade is always best, but store-bought works too. You can also use water if you’re out of broth; just add a bit more seasoning.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Caramelized?
To achieve beautifully caramelized chicken, focus on high heat and patience. Start with a hot pan, ensuring the oil is shimmering before you add the chicken. This helps lock in the juices and gives that lovely golden color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can steam the chicken instead of searing it.
- Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to form a crust.
- Remove the chicken before it’s fully cooked; it will continue cooking in the broth.
With these tips and techniques, you’re sure to enjoy a deliciously comforting meal of caramelized soy chicken!
How to Make Caramelized Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for deeper color)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or neutral oil
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at about 45 minutes to have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramelized Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and dark soy sauce (if you’re using it). Stir until the sugar is dissolved. This sauce will give the chicken a lovely sweet and savory flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing them for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant but not burnt. This is where the amazing smell starts to come together!
4. Make the Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth or water into the pan along with your caramelized sauce mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything, then bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Chicken:
Return the browned chicken to the pan, making sure it’s all in the broth. Cover the pan with a lid and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Finish the Broth:
Once the chicken is ready, stir in the rice vinegar and sesame oil. Taste your broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed. This will really enhance the flavors!
7. Serve the Dish:
To serve, spoon the cooked rice into bowls. Ladle the chicken and the tasty garlic ginger broth over the rice. It smells heavenly already!
8. Garnish:
Finish it off by sprinkling sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for that beautiful presentation and added flavor.
9. Enjoy Warm:
Dig in and enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal! It’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you want something special without too much fuss.
This dish is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, with a comforting broth that pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture a few hours ahead or even overnight for extra flavor. Just cook the dish on the day you plan to serve it for the best taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Sure! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will still give you a delicious meal while keeping it plant-based!
