Looking for a delicious, quick, and flavorful chicken recipe to spice up your weeknight dinners? Our Soyaki Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need!
This dish perfectly blends the sweet and salty notes of soy sauce with the tropical hint of teriyaki, creating a mouthwatering glaze that coats tender, juicy chicken pieces. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
This dish is incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or even wrapped in lettuce for a fresh bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize if you want to add a little heat or extra sweetness.
Get ready to make a new favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soyaki chicken is a delightful fusion of classic Asian flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-packed: The soy and teriyaki sauce combo offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- Juicy and tender: The marinade locks in moisture, keeping the chicken succulent.
- Adaptable: Great for grilling, pan-frying, or baking depending on your preference.
- Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate or serving platter
- Optional: Grill or oven if preferred
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This blend will create the signature soyaki flavor.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of oil if needed. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place the pieces in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful caramelized color.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy finish.
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Spicy soyaki chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a kick of heat.
- Grilled version: Marinate the chicken as directed, then grill on medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian alternative: Use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and follow the same marinade and cooking instructions.
- Extra veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli and serve alongside for a complete meal.
- Serve with rice: Jasmine or brown rice makes the perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Sugar | 7 g |
Sodium | 750 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Soyaki Chicken shines when paired with simple, fresh sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to balance the savory sauce.
- Stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or snap peas for crunch and color.
- Fresh cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves with shredded carrots and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a fun, handheld option.
- For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic fried rice or noodles.
Conclusion
Our Soyaki Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. The harmonious blend of soy and teriyaki sauces creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the tender chicken, making it irresistible for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time and impress your loved ones with your cooking skills. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations to find your perfect soyaki style!
For more delicious and easy recipes, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, explore wholesome options in Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, or refresh your palate with a Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Soyaki Chicken
Description: A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
- Place chicken thighs in a ziplock bag and pour marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, mix cornstarch and water, then add remaining marinade. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Brush thickened sauce over grilled chicken.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 12 g
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