Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken (Grandmother’s secret recipe revealed)

Why I Love This Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drying the chicken is crucial for achieving that beautiful sear.

   ~2 min

   Tip: For even browning, ensure the chicken pieces are roughly the same thickness.
2. 2

   Make the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This prevents lumps from forming when added to the hot sauce. This slurry will help thicken the sauce at the end.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid a chalky taste.
3. 3

   Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved for a smooth glaze. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

   ~3 min

   Tip: Taste and adjust the glaze to your liking. Add more honey for sweetness or rice vinegar for tanginess.
4. 4

   Sear the chicken: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (vegetable or canola oil works well). Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the pan temperature and steam the chicken instead of searing it.

   ~3 min

   Tip: If you are cooking a large batch, sear the chicken in batches to maintain the pan temperature.
5. 5

   Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. A good sear is crucial for building flavor and creating a beautiful crust on the chicken. Avoid moving the chicken around too much while it's searing to allow for proper browning.

   ~8 min

   Tip: Use tongs to flip the chicken for even browning.
6. 6

   Pour in the glaze: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the sweet soy glaze over the chicken. The glaze will start to bubble and thicken as it cooks.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Be careful as the glaze may splatter.
7. 7

   Simmer and thicken: Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has thickened into a rich, glossy sauce. Simmering allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the glaze.

   ~7 min

   Tip: Use a spoon to baste the chicken with the glaze as it simmers for extra flavor and shine.
8. 8

   Stir in the cornstarch slurry: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir gently to combine. The slurry will help thicken the glaze even further, creating a luscious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Be sure to stir gently to avoid breaking up the chicken.

   ~1 min

   Tip: If the glaze becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
9. 9

   Cook for another minute or two, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

   ~2 min

   Tip: Avoid overcooking the glaze, as it can become too sticky and hard.
10. 10

    Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and visual appeal, while the green onions provide a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

    ~1 min

    Tip: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts