Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of soy and garlic in a simple, quick recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy soy garlic chicken thighs recipe can be prepared in just one pan. The tender chicken is lightly breaded for a satisfying crunch, while a savory sauce adds an irresistible glossy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup with everything cooked in one frying pan.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of soy sauce and garlic creates a deeply satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Serve with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal tailored to your tastes.
- Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors make this dish a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience effortless, gather the necessary tools before you begin. With these tools on hand, you’ll find preparation and cooking to be a breeze.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
- Plate
Importance of Each Tool
- Large frying pan: Ideal for frying the chicken evenly and allowing enough space for browning.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients like the sauce and dry coating mixture without any mess.

Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless
- 3 tbsp potato starch
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp neutral oil for pan frying
- 8 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks green onion (green and white parts separated)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (sub: water & chicken bouillon)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For Garnish
- Green onion (green part)
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl:
1. Add 1/2 cup chicken stock (or substitute with water and chicken bouillon).
2. Mix in 3 tbsp honey.
3. Stir in 1 tbsp rice vinegar.
4. Add 1 tbsp dark soy sauce.
5. Finally, mix in 1 tsp cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
- Use paper towels to dry the boneless skinless chicken thighs thoroughly.
- In a large plate, mix together potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly coat each chicken thigh on both sides with the mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat enough neutral oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat to cover the bottom.
- Once hot, add the coated chicken thighs.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides; this should take about 7 minutes per side.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
- In the same pan, add minced garlic, white parts of green onion, and red chili flakes.
- Sauté for about 3 minutes or until garlic turns golden brown.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with sautéed ingredients.
- Cook for about 1 minute or until it thickens slightly.
- Return the fried chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes until covered in sauce and fully cooked.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with green onion tops and sesame seeds before serving your Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs alongside steamed rice or your favorite veggies! Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Serving Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs can elevate your meal and impress your family or guests. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or brown rice works perfectly to soak up the savory soy garlic sauce.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and vibrant presentation.
With Sautéed Vegetables
- Pair with sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and crunch.
Garnished with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Accompanied by Dipping Sauce
- A side of extra soy sauce or sweet chili sauce can provide an additional taste experience.
How to Perfect Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
To ensure your Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are cooked perfectly every time, follow these useful tips.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and green onions enhance the overall flavor profile.
Monitor the Heat: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without burning.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Let the Sauce Thicken: Allow enough time for the sauce to bubble and thicken before adding back the chicken for optimal coating.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Complement your Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs with these delicious side dishes that balance flavors and textures perfectly.
Garlic Fried Rice: Infuse leftover rice with garlic and green onions for a quick, flavorful side.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and are easily roasted with olive oil and seasonings.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quickly stir-fry bok choy in sesame oil for a crunchy, healthy addition.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar complements the richness of the chicken thighs.
Miso Soup: Light miso soup adds warmth and umami, making it an ideal pairing with this dish.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs provides a nutritious alternative to rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the chicken in the sauce allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. Always let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Not drying the chicken: Failing to dry the chicken thighs can lead to uneven cooking and soggy breading. Pat them dry with a paper towel before coating.
- Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many chicken thighs at once can reduce the pan’s temperature, resulting in steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Ignoring the sauce thickening: If you skip simmering after adding sauce, the flavors won’t meld well. Let it bubble for at least a minute.
- Using incorrect oil: Using oils with low smoke points can burn and ruin flavors. Stick to neutral oils like vegetable or canola for frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Properly stored, they can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a little water or broth until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to serve Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs?
Serve these flavorful chicken thighs with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I substitute other proteins for Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs?
Yes! You can easily swap chicken for turkey, beef, or lamb according to your preference.
How spicy are Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs?
The red chili flakes add mild heat. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Can I make Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead and reheat when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!

Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a quick and flavorful dish that will become a favorite in your household. This one-pan recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a savory soy-garlic glaze, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends. The lightly breaded chicken is cooked to golden perfection, while the sauce adds an irresistible shine and flavor that everyone will love. Paired with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables, this dish offers a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and deliciously comforting.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp potato starch
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp neutral oil for pan frying
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks green onion (green and white parts separated)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (sub: water & chicken bouillon)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Green onion (green part) for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by combining chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl; set aside.
- Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly and coat them with a mixture of potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 7 minutes each side). Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic, white parts of green onion, and red chili flakes for about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and cook until it thickens slightly (about 1 minute). Return the fried chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes until fully coated in sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (140g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg