This Caramelized Soy Chicken is packed with flavor and cooked in a tasty garlic ginger broth. Cozy up with this warming dish served over fluffy rice!
The sweet and salty chicken is hard to resist, and the broth? It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love making it when I want something quick, comforting, and delicious. 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great for their tenderness, but breasts work just as well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go with breasts. You can also use tofu or seitan for a plant-based version!
Soy Sauce: Dark soy sauce adds rich color and depth, but if you only have light soy sauce, use it and add a bit more brown sugar to compensate for the sweetness!
Brown Sugar: This helps with caramelization and adds sweetness. If you don’t have it, coconut sugar or honey can work as substitutes, adjusting the amount for desired sweetness.
Oyster Sauce: It adds umami flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a vegetarian option. You might try mushroom sauce as a replacement for a similar taste.
Rice Wine/Sherry: This is optional for flavor. If unavailable, try adding a splash of apple juice or vinegar for some acidity, which helps brighten the broth!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Chicken?
Caramelization is the secret to the wonderful flavor in this dish. You want that sweet and salty crust on your chicken. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot pan—it should sizzle when you add the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as that can steam the chicken instead of sear it.
- Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for a higher smoke point. Add the chicken and let it brown without stirring for about 3-4 minutes on one side.
- Flip the chicken to brown the other side, adding the reserved marinade once it starts to brown. This creates a sticky glaze, enhancing that caramelized flavor.
Take your time, and don’t rush the process. Proper caramelization might take a few extra minutes, but the flavor is worth it!
Caramelized Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Caramelization:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or neutral oil)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (preferably dark soy sauce for color)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for caramelization)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
For the Garlic Ginger Broth:
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water + chicken bouillon)
- 4-5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice, cooked
- Chopped green onions or scallions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook, plus at least 15 minutes for marinating. In total, you should be ready to feast in about an hour if you include marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, in a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and oyster sauce until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Then, add in your chicken pieces, making sure they’re all coated well. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb those delicious flavors.
2. Caramelize the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (remember to reserve that marinade!) and add it to the pan. Sear the chicken pieces until they start to brown and caramelize, which should take about 3-4 minutes on each side. After that, pour in the reserved marinade and keep cooking until it turns into a sticky glaze that envelops the chicken, about 2-3 more minutes. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Ginger Broth:
In a medium pot, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Then toss in the sliced garlic and ginger. Sauté these until they turn fragrant and golden, which should take around 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to burn them. Once fragrant, pour in the chicken broth and the soy sauce, and if you’re using it, add the rice wine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together. Season your broth with sesame oil, adding salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve:
Take the caramelized chicken you set aside and return it to the pot with the broth. Heat everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through. Now it’s time to dish it out! Serve the luscious chicken and broth over bowls of fluffy steamed rice. For the final touch, garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if you like!
Enjoy this comforting dish that’s full of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors!
FAQ: Caramelized Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs or breasts with boneless pork or beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as these meats may take longer to cook than chicken.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead of time. For the broth, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving to enhance the flavors.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Use tofu or seitan in place of chicken, and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Adjust the seasoning to ensure it remains flavorful and delicious!
