Soy Chicken Garlic Ginger: The Ultimate Flavor Bomb Recipe
Introduction
Savor the bold and irresistible flavors of Soy Chicken Garlic Ginger, a delicious dish packed with savory, sweet, and tangy notes. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you crave a comforting, flavorful meal.

Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (for sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for slurry)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 4 cloves minced garlic, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Ensure the cornstarch dissolves fully.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable bag.
- Refrigerate: Chill the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for best flavor and tenderness.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, chicken broth, honey (or maple syrup), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 4 cloves minced garlic. Set aside.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In another small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth.
- Heat the Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken in a single layer to the hot skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed.
- Sear the Chicken: Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches your desired thickness (1-2 minutes). Thin with a little broth or water if too thick.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more soy sauce, honey, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Heat Through: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in sesame oil, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and good searing.
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Substitute chicken with pressed tofu or tempeh for a vegan version, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for more variety and nutrition.
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add chili oil to the sauce.
- Add pineapple chunks for a sweet, tangy twist to the dish.
Storage
Store any leftover soy garlic ginger chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through to preserve flavor and texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing tofu to remove excess water before marinating. Substitute honey with maple syrup and use a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
PrintSoy Chicken Garlic Ginger: The Ultimate Flavor Bomb Recipe
This Soy Chicken Garlic Ginger recipe is packed with bold and vibrant flavors, combining tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection and then simmered in a luscious ginger-garlic sauce that is thickened to a glossy finish. Served over steamed rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is a delightful, easy-to-make meal that satisfies with every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
Garnish & Serving
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 4 cloves minced garlic, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, red pepper flakes if using, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap or seal in a bag.
- Refrigerate: Chill the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours, to develop tenderness and flavor.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, chicken broth, honey (or maple syrup), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 4 cloves minced garlic. Set aside.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In another small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, whisking until smooth. This will thicken the sauce later.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken in a single layer to the hot skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the Chicken: Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches the desired thickness (1-2 minutes). Add extra broth or water to thin if needed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and tweak with more soy sauce, honey, or red pepper flakes according to preference.
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Heat Through: Simmer the chicken in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish: Remove from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds.
- Serve: Plate the soy garlic ginger chicken immediately over cooked rice and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum flavor impact.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to your desired taste balance of salty, sweet, and spicy.
- Marinate chicken longer for more tender and flavorful meat.
- Low sodium soy sauce helps control sodium levels in the dish.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute chicken with pressed tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add extra red pepper flakes or chili oil for more spice.
- Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Keywords: soy chicken recipe, garlic ginger chicken, pan-fried chicken, Asian chicken dish, quick chicken dinner, easy chicken stir-fry

