Caramelized Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth (Printable)

Tender chicken with sweet soy glaze in aromatic garlic-ginger broth over fluffy rice

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Caramel Soy Sauce

05 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon honey
08 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon water

→ Garlic Ginger Broth

10 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
11 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
13 - 1 small onion, thinly sliced
14 - 3.2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
15 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
16 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ Rice

17 - 1.1 cups jasmine or long-grain white rice
18 - 2.1 cups water
19 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnishes

20 - 2 spring onions, sliced
21 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
22 - Fresh cilantro leaves

# Steps:

01 - Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and water. Set aside.
03 - Pat chicken thighs dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - Discard excess oil from the pan. Return chicken to the skillet over medium heat. Pour in the caramel soy sauce. Cook, turning to coat, until sauce thickens and chicken is glazed, about 3-5 minutes. Remove chicken and cover to keep warm.
05 - In a separate pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and onion; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
06 - Slice the caramelized chicken. Divide rice among bowls, ladle over garlic ginger broth, and top with chicken slices. Garnish with spring onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sticky caramel glaze on tender chicken creates this irresistible sweet-savory coating that makes you want to lick your plate clean
  • The garlic ginger broth transforms plain rice into something extraordinary, soaking up all those beautiful flavors
  • This comes together faster than youd think but tastes like it simmered all day long
02 -
  • The caramel sauce will go from perfect to burned in seconds, so watch it closely as it thickens
  • Letting the rice rest covered after cooking is non-negotiable for the perfect texture
  • Patting the chicken completely dry before searing is what creates that gorgeous golden crust
03 -
  • Grate your ginger from frozen, it grates more finely and thawing it releases even more flavor into the broth
  • Make double the caramel glaze and keep it in the fridge for quick weeknight meals

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