If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together fast, this easy caramelized soy chicken is exactly what your weeknight needs. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a savory-sweet garlic ginger broth, creating a glossy sauce that’s rich, comforting, and perfect spooned over warm rice. Best of all, this one-pot meal is ready in about 30 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Caramelized Soy Chicken
This recipe checks all the right boxes for busy families. It’s quick, affordable, and deeply satisfying without being complicated. The soy sauce and brown sugar create a balanced sweet-and-savory base, while fresh garlic and ginger add warmth and depth. Because everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is minimal—making this dish ideal for hectic weeknights when you still want something homemade and nourishing.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can keep it simple with rice or bulk it up with vegetables for a complete meal in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this comforting soy chicken dinner:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Sesame oil
- Onion
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Chicken broth
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Jasmine or basmati rice (for serving)
These everyday ingredients work together to create bold, East Asian–inspired flavors without requiring specialty items.
How to Make Easy Caramelized Soy Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or shallow pot over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for a few minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add sliced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking just until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Caramelized Sauce
Add soy sauce and brown sugar to the pan, stirring well. Let the mixture bubble briefly so the sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize slightly.
Step 4: Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Uncover and simmer a few more minutes to slightly thicken the sauce. Spoon the chicken and broth over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Tips & Variations
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a lighter salt level.
- Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Add vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or bok choy during the simmer stage.
- Chicken breasts work too, just reduce cooking time to keep them juicy.
- For extra richness, drizzle a few drops of sesame oil just before serving.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this caramelized soy chicken over jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa. It also pairs well with simple steamed vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad.
Leftovers store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
Print
Easy Caramelized Soy Chicken with Garlic Ginger Broth
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy caramelized soy chicken thighs simmered in a cozy garlic ginger broth—sweet, savory, and ready in about 30 minutes. A simple one-pot dinner served over jasmine or basmati rice.
Ingredients
500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
4 cups chicken broth
2 green onions, sliced (garnish)
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, cooked (for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and brown 2–3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
2. Add sliced onion to the same pan and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add soy sauce and brown sugar. Stir and let it bubble 30–60 seconds so the sugar dissolves and the sauce starts to caramelize.
5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Return chicken to the pan.
6. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes (or until chicken is cooked through and tender).
7. Uncover and simmer 3–5 minutes to slightly reduce the broth and deepen flavor.
8. Serve chicken and broth over cooked rice. Top with sliced green onions.
Notes
Low-sodium tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce and taste before adding extra salt.
Veggie add-in: Add carrots, snap peas, bok choy, or mushrooms during the simmer step.
Chicken swap: Chicken breast works—reduce covered simmer time to 8–10 minutes to avoid drying out.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot, Simmer
- Cuisine: East Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28g |
| Fat | ~18g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~780mg |
Values are estimates and will vary by ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This easy caramelized soy chicken proves that simple ingredients can deliver big comfort and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this warm, savory dish is one you’ll come back to again and again.