Dinner

Caramelised Soy Chicken Recipe

Bylina moretti December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Introduction

Glazed, sticky, and bursting with flavor, this Caramelised Soy Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will crave. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

A close-up of a dish on a white plate showing two main layers: on the right, fluffy white rice with a soft texture, and on the left, crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a thick, glossy dark reddish-brown sauce. The chicken is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and topped with sliced green onions for a fresh look. The sauce appears sticky and shiny, pooling slightly at the bottom of the plate, and the chicken pieces have a crunchy, golden-brown crust. The background is a smooth white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional)
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and cut it into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Step 2: Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and water. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 5: Reduce the heat and simmer the chicken for 10–12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
Step 6: If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and coats the chicken well.
Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha to the sauce.
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Use brown sugar instead of honey for a deeper caramel flavor.

Storage

Store leftover caramelised soy chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. It also freezes well for up to 1 month.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with two main layers; on the right side is a mound of fluffy white rice with a soft texture, and on the left side is a generous serving of crispy fried chicken pieces covered in a shiny, sticky dark reddish-brown sauce. The chicken is sprinkled with light tan sesame seeds and garnished with thinly sliced green onions, adding bright green color and freshness. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, enhancing the meal’s warm and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skin-on thighs, but sear the chicken skin-side down first until crispy. Then proceed with the recipe as usual.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press and cube the tofu, then cook similarly, adjusting the simmer time as needed.