Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) is a simple, delicious homemade dish that brings tender, succulent chicken to your table in under 40 minutes. This recipe infuses the chicken with a savory soy sauce glaze, making every bite juicy and packed with umami goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s beginner-friendly and uses easy pantry staples. Pair it with my One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for a complete family-friendly dinner everyone will love.
Why You'll Love Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
Discover our Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) recipe, an easy homemade dish full of rich flavor and perfect for family dinners.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients found in most kitchens.
- The chicken remains juicy and full of rich soy sauce flavor.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers reheat beautifully.
Ingredients for Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
Chicken thighs: Skin-on bone-in thighs provide the juiciest results. Substitute with chicken breasts, but watch cooking time.Soy sauce: Low sodium recommended to control saltiness; regular soy sauce works fine.Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization; substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Chicken thighs: Skin-on bone-in thighs provide the juiciest results. Substitute with chicken breasts, but watch cooking time.
- Soy sauce: Low sodium recommended to control saltiness; regular soy sauce works fine.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization; substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Preheat and prepare to cook: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove chicken thighs from marinade and reserve the marinade.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Sear the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
Expert Tips for Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep chicken juicy.
- Don’t pour sauce over the skin while searing to keep it crispy.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving for better moisture retention.
Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
Discover our Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) recipe, an easy homemade dish full of rich flavor and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
How to Make Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful)
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat and prepare to cook: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove chicken thighs from marinade and reserve the marinade.
- Sear the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
- Bake with sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet around the chicken (not over skin to keep it crispy). Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Finish and serve: Broil for 1-2 minutes if you want extra crisp skin. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and cilantro. Enjoy hot over rice or with your favorite sides.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Soy Sauce Chicken (Juicy & Flavorful) - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe FAQs
Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead or cook fully and refrigerate. Reheat gently to maintain juiciness and crisp skin.
Chicken breasts can be used but may cook faster and be less juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage up to 1 month.
Dryness may result from overcooking; use a thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temp. Sogginess may happen if skin is covered in sauce before searing—avoid pouring marinade on skin until after searing and baking.
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