Name: Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 cups cooked white rice; Chopped green onions, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Short Description

This Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice combines the savory depth of soy-glazed chicken thighs with a fragrant garlic and ginger broth. Served over fluffy rice, it’s a comforting and umami-packed dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The balance of sweet and salty flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich flavor: The caramelised soy chicken brings a delicious depth, balanced with the fragrant ginger and garlic broth.
Quick & easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Versatile: Can be made with chicken breasts for a leaner option or paired with your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.
Comforting: The warm rice and hearty chicken make for a comforting, filling meal.
Customizable: Add extra vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for a more nutrient-dense meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cups cooked white rice
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

directions

Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir to create the marinade.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them soak for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken thighs on both sides until golden and caramelised, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Prepare the broth: In the same pan, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly.
Slice and warm the chicken: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the broth. Let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Serve the chicken and broth over bowls of cooked white rice.
Garnish: Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Lean option: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner meal.
Add vegetables: Toss in steamed veggies like bok choy, broccoli, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the broth for extra heat.
Rice alternatives: Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a different texture and added nutrients.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken and broth (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and broth on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if necessary.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for a leaner option. Just note that breasts might dry out quicker than thighs, so be sure to monitor them closely while cooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours for a richer flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas for more nutrition and texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time. Just store the chicken separately and reheat it when ready to serve.

How can I make this spicier?

To add a spicy kick, stir in some red pepper flakes, chopped chili peppers, or a dash of sriracha to the broth.

What can I substitute for dark soy sauce?

If you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can use more regular soy sauce, but the dish might be slightly lighter in color and flavor. Adding a pinch of sugar will help balance it out.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works great with this dish and adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor.

How do I get the chicken thighs crispy?

Make sure to sear the chicken on high heat until it forms a golden crust before lowering the heat to cook through.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Ensure to press and marinate the tofu for the best texture and flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken and broth in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze the chicken and broth separately for longer storage.

Conclusion

Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is a comforting, umami-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With its sweet and savory flavors, tender chicken, and aromatic broth, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Simple to make in just 35 minutes, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to for those cozy, flavorful meals.