Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice Recipe
Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice is exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to have on rotation for busy weeknights. It’s the perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a glossy, aromatic soy garlic sauce, all nestled atop fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up every last bit of flavor. One pot is all it takes, and you’ll find yourself eagerly scooping seconds before you know it! This dish delivers all the comfort of a home-cooked meal, with just the right balance of savory, sweet, and garlicky goodness—every bite truly feels like a hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice is how the simplest pantry staples come together to create such crave-worthy flavors and perfectly satisfying textures. Every ingredient has a role to play, so don’t skip those special touches—they’re what make this dish genuinely unforgettable.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, they stay juicy through simmering and soak up every drop of sauce.
- Soy sauce: The backbone of our sauce, lending its signature umami punch and gorgeous color.
- Oyster sauce: Adds sweet-salty depth and that irresistible “can’t-stop-eating” richness.
- Honey: A drizzle balances the savoriness and gives a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Garlic: Use fresh cloves, minced fine for the brightest garlicky flair.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger perks up the sauce with sharp, warm notes.
- Sesame oil: Just a tablespoon infuses alluring nuttiness that makes this dish sing.
- Jasmine rice: Delicate, fragrant, and perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices.
- Chicken broth: Cooking the rice in broth magnifies every savory note to the max.
- Vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection—it’s all about that crust!
- Green onions: Sliced and sprinkled over the top, they add a punch of fresh, oniony crunch.
- Sesame seeds: For a final flourish—just a little bit makes every bite pop.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and tying all the flavors together.
How to Make Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavorful Marinade
Kick things off by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This simple mixture is where all the magic begins, infusing every bite of chicken with deep, delicious umami and just a hint of natural sweetness.
Step 2: Marinate and Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with a light touch of salt and black pepper. Pour your homemade marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece gets plenty of attention. Let everything mingle for at least 30 minutes—trust me, patience is rewarded with rich, bold flavor!
Step 3: Sear for That Gorgeous Crust
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear the marinated chicken thighs skin-side (or presentation side) down for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn a lovely caramel brown. Once they’re crisped up, set the chicken aside for just a bit—don’t worry, they’ll finish cooking with the rice soon.
Step 4: Toast the Rice with Sesame Oil
Add the sesame oil into the same skillet, then stir in the jasmine rice. Let it toast, stirring, for about a minute. This step is quick but important—it gives the rice a golden hue and an extra boost of flavor that makes Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice so memorable.
Step 5: Simmer Everything Together
Pour in the chicken broth, gently scraping up any caramelized bits from the pan for maximum flavor. Nestle the seared chicken thighs right on top of the rice, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is tender and fragrant, scatter sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Each spoonful is irresistibly savory and perfectly balanced—and it’s all ready to go straight from pan to plate!
How to Serve Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
To really bring the color and crunch, don’t stint on the fresh green onions and nutty sesame seeds. You can even add a few extra twists of black pepper or a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a gourmet touch. Presentation counts—a vibrant garnish makes this dish irresistible.
Side Dishes
Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice goes wonderfully with crisp steamed broccoli, garlicky sautéed greens, or a refreshing cucumber salad. Try adding some pickled vegetables on the side for a lively contrast that keeps every bite interesting and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your weeknight dinner into something extra special by serving Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice in miniature bowls for a tapas-style spread, or simply pile it high on a large share platter if you’re feeding a crowd. Tuck in a wedge of lime, sprinkle over some crushed chili flakes, or serve with a dollop of spicy mayo for a fun, playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice (lucky you!), transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay deliciously fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to mingle overnight, making this dish just as tempting the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let everything cool completely, then portion out the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and freeze for up to 2 months—it’s a fantastic backup for those nights when you need something satisfying in a hurry.
Reheating
Reheat Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, covered, until heated through. For lunchboxes or quick dinners, a minute or two in the microwave also works—just be sure to fluff the rice and stir so everything warms evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner cut—just be sure to reduce the searing and simmering times to prevent the meat from drying out. Thighs do stay juicier, but you’ll still get great flavor whichever cut you use.
Is it possible to make Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and check that your oyster sauce is also labeled gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so this swap makes it friendly for everyone at your table.
What type Main Course
Jasmine rice is recommended for its delicate fragrance and fluffy texture, but you could also try long-grain white rice or even basmati in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the liquid-to-rice ratio and cooking time, as different rice types may require subtle adjustments.
Can I add vegetables to the Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice?
Definitely—feel free to toss in baby spinach, diced bell pepper, or snap peas along with the rice. Add them in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking so they turn vibrant and tender without getting mushy.
How do I make the sauce a little spicier?
If you love heat, stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade. You can always garnish the finished Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice with sliced fresh chiles or a splash of chili oil for an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a go-to meal that’s comforting, reliably delicious, and bound to become a household favorite, Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice truly checks every box. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it finds its way into your regular dinner routine—it’s that good!
Print
Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken thighs with fragrant jasmine rice, all cooked in a savory soy and garlic sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then pour the sauce over the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add sesame oil and rice, toasting for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Nestle chicken back into the rice, cover, and simmer over low heat for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast for thighs, adjusting cooking time slightly.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or chili flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with rice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
