Description
This delicious garlic soy chicken thighs recipe is perfect for serving over rice and garnished with green onions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided, can use vegetable/canola oil)
- 1–1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (5 thighs)
- 8 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced, optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper (table grind, not ground)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (regular, not lite)
- 1–1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 3 fresh bay leaves (or use dried)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions (optional)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Pat chicken very dry. Sear both sides for about 3 minutes per side, until lightly browned (do not cook through). Transfer to a plate and reduce heat to low.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add garlic, jalapeño (if using), and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 45 seconds, until fragrant and just lightly golden. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Pour in soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and bay leaves. Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer, then reduce to medium-high and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Return chicken to the skillet in one even layer (smooth side down), along with any juices left behind on the plate. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Do not stir, but check occasionally to make sure the liquid is not boiling too rapidly. If it is, lower the heat.
- After 15 minutes, flip the chicken and cook another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce is mostly reduced and glossy enough to coat the chicken. If the sauce is still watery, remove chicken to a plate and simmer the sauce over high heat until thickened. Return chicken and toss to coat in the glaze.
- Add the chicken over rice and spoon the sauce on top, adding it slowly and to taste (it’s salty!). Garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
- Note 1: Minced garlic can burn quickly; stir constantly to avoid browning.
- Note 2: Ensure chicken thighs are pat dry for better searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with rice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg