Craving a flavorful, comforting, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This soy sauce chicken recipe is your answer. It’s a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a casual dinner party. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich, savory soy sauce glaze – a true testament to the magic of simple, homemade cooking. Forget complicated techniques; this dish is all about letting the delicious flavors mingle and create a symphony of taste.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs stay juicier)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine – optional, but adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), ginger, and garlic. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for up to 2 hours. The longer the marinade time, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
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Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the cooked chicken with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. This easy recipe makes a delicious and healthy meal.
Tips for the Best Soy Sauce Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you're using a baking dish, make sure the chicken pieces aren't piled on top of each other. This allows for even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey. For a sweeter glaze, add a tablespoon or two more.
- Add some heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or your favorite vegetables for a well-rounded and nutritious dinner.
Variations:
- Sheet Pan Soy Sauce Chicken: For even easier cleanup, roast the chicken directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Soy Sauce Chicken and Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables (such as broccoli florets, bell peppers, or carrots) to the baking dish during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Slow Cooker Soy Sauce Chicken: For an even more tender chicken, you can also slow cook this recipe. Simply transfer the marinated chicken and marinade to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This simple soy sauce chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It’s a delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a get-together. Enjoy!