Are you craving a flavorful, healthy, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This Soy Garlic Chicken recipe delivers a burst of authentic Korean flavors without the complicated cooking techniques. It's a perfect example of how delicious and healthy food recipes can be quick dinner ideas, ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend meal. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this simple yet stunning dish!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine – can substitute with dry sherry or white wine)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably up to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to absorb the delicious flavors, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook in batches for best results. Cooking in batches ensures even browning and prevents the chicken from steaming instead of searing.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. This creates a slurry that will thicken the sauce beautifully. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Soy Garlic Chicken:
- Don't skip the marinating step! Marinating the chicken is key to achieving tender, flavorful results.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the taste.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Feel free to adjust the soy sauce, garlic, or ginger to your liking.
Variations:
- Spicy Soy Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Addition: Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking. This transforms your quick dinner idea into a complete and balanced meal.
- Sheet Pan Option: For an even easier clean-up, roast the marinated chicken on a sheet pan in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Soy Garlic Chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a testament to how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, even on the busiest of days. Enjoy!