These Soy Honey Chicken Thighs offer a tantalizing blend of savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
This dish features crispy chicken thighs coated in a delectable sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any mealtime.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make and pairs perfectly with rice, stir-fried noodles, or even soups.
About this dish:
The succulent chicken thighs are marinated in a savory soy sauce and garlic powder mixture, then coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture when fried.
The sauce, made from a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey, adds a delightful sweetness and umami richness to the dish.
Garnished with sesame seeds and scallion greens, each bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
Nutritional Attributes:
Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair, while the sauce provides a balance of savory and sweet flavors without being overly indulgent.
Additionally, sesame seeds offer healthy fats and essential nutrients, enhancing the nutritional profile of the dish.
Preparation Work:
Preparation for Soy Honey Chicken Thighs is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
Marinate the chicken thighs, coat them in cornstarch, and fry until golden brown and crispy.
No need to marinate the chicken for long as it will be coated with a thick glozzy soy sauce anyway!
Ingredients & Alternatives:
Protein:
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for deboned chicken thighs with the skin on for maximum flavor and juiciness!
Sauce:
- Light Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth of flavor to the marinade and sauce.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a savory kick and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
- Cornstarch: Helps to achieve a crispy exterior when frying the chicken.
- Oyster Sauce: Contributes to the richness and umami flavor of the sauce.
- Honey: Provides a natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the dish.
Garnish:
- Scallion Greens: Offers a fresh and vibrant garnish for added flavor and color.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.
Tips & Tricks:
- Allow the sauce to simmer for the perfect consistency before adding the chicken back to the pan. It could otherwise end with a thin sauce that won’t stick to the chicken.
- Ensure the chicken thighs are thoroughly coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce according to your preferred level of sweetness.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken thighs in the oven instead of frying them.
FAQ:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs in this recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.
Is it necessary to debone the chicken thighs?
While deboning the chicken thighs makes them easier to eat, you can also leave the bones in if you prefer. Just be cautious when frying to ensure the meat cooks evenly.
Is it necessary to debone the chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sauces to customize the flavor to your liking.
Teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a homemade barbecue sauce could work well with the chicken.
Soy Honey Chicken Thighs
Ingredients Â
Chicken
- 3 Large Chicken Thighs deboned, with the skin on
- 1 tbsp Light Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Scallion greens for garnish
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Light Soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1/2 tbsp Honey
InstructionsÂ
- Marinate the chicken thighs with a tablespoon of soy sauce, along with pepper and garlic powder. Mix well.Coat the chicken thighs with cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly covered. Remove excess cornstarch if necessary.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.Add the chicken thighs to the pan and fry for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.Remove excess oil from the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey until well combined.Pour the sauce into the same pan used to fry the chicken.Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 30 seconds until it becomes bubbly.
- Return the fried chicken thighs to the pan with the sauce.Flip the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce.Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce for a minute or two.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a cutting board and cut them into small pieces.Serve the chicken pieces on a bed of rice.Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions greens.