If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, tangy, and downright addictive—look no further than this Soy Glazed Chicken. It’s a marvelous blend of tender chicken pieces bathed in a shiny, sticky glaze crafted from soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, and garlic. Every bite bursts with flavor and that irresistible caramelized coating that makes this meal a standout weeknight favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just treating yourself, this Soy Glazed Chicken brings both comfort and excitement to the table.

Soy Glazed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list; each component plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish special. From the juicy chicken to the bright zing of rice vinegar and the subtle heat of fresh ginger, every element counts.

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: Choosing thighs adds juiciness, but breasts work perfectly too, trimmed and ready for quick cooking.

1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and building flavor in the pan.
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): The salty, umami backbone that gives the Soy Glazed Chicken its rich depth.

¼ cup honey: Sweetness that transforms the glaze, adding luscious stickiness and balance.
2 tbsp rice vinegar: A tangy lift that brightens the glaze and keeps it lively on the palate.

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a slight peppery bite—fresh ginger is key for authenticity.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s pungency rounds out the savory notes beautifully.
1 tbsp cornstarch: The magic thickener that creates that glossy, clingy finish.

2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry): Helps dissolve the cornstarch so it blends perfectly into the glaze.
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional but highly recommended): Adds a toasty crunch and lovely visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
2 green onions, sliced (optional): For a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant, green pop of color.

How to Make Soy Glazed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This little step is a game changer because removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown beautifully, creating that delicious crust that makes this Soy Glazed Chicken so irresistible.

Step 2: Create the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until fully combined. This mixture forms the heart of your glaze, marrying salty, sweet, and tangy flavors into one harmonious sauce.

Step 3: Make a Cornstarch Slurry

Mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small cup until smooth. This slurry will thicken your glaze perfectly when added to the hot pan, giving it that signature shiny, sticky finish that coats every piece of chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re aiming for golden brown edges and fully cooked chicken. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside to rest.

Step 5: Soften and Thicken the Soy Glaze

Pour the soy glaze mixture into the hot skillet and let it simmer briefly. Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Give it 1 to 2 minutes for the sauce to thicken and develop that luscious texture that clings to the chicken.

Step 6: Mix Chicken with the Glaze

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the glaze using tongs. Make sure every piece is well coated with that shiny, sticky Soy Glazed Chicken sauce—this step guarantees each bite is packed with flavor.

How to Serve Soy Glazed Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken right before serving. These simple garnishes add a wonderful crunch, a punch of freshness, and an inviting visual contrast that turns the dish into something truly special.

Side Dishes

White rice or steamed jasmine rice is the classic companion to soak up every bit of that magical soy glaze. For extra veggies, consider tossing together a light cucumber salad or stir-fried broccoli to add color and nutrition to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Soy Glazed Chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb twist. You can also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps, sprinkling a few crushed peanuts on top to add texture. It’s a versatile dish that shines in many presentations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Soy Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so it’s just as tasty the next day, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner on a busy night.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and glaze in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to preserve the tenderness of the chicken and the glossy integrity of the glaze. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken or cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Soy Glazed Chicken?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving, chicken breasts work wonderfully too. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the texture tender and juicy.

Is there a substitute for honey in the glaze?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or brown sugar as alternatives. Maple syrup adds a similar sweetness with a bit of earthiness, while brown sugar will give the glaze a deeper caramel flavor.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Sure thing! You can mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic ahead and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just don’t add the cornstarch slurry until you’re ready to cook to ensure the perfect thickness.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can work as great substitutes for cornstarch. Use the same amount to make your slurry and achieve that sticky, glossy sauce texture.

Is Soy Glazed Chicken suitable for gluten-free diets?

It sure can be! Just swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce brand to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive folks without losing any flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Soy Glazed Chicken has quickly earned a permanent spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s simply delicious and incredibly easy to make. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with tender, juicy chicken is a winning combination every time. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share the joy it brings to your table!