Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice
Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory soy garlic sauce, served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines umami richness, a touch of sweetness, and aromatic sesame oil for comfort food that’s simple to prepare and loved by all ages.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, juicy and tender
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)
Rice
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, freshly chopped
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds for topping
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and a touch of sesame oil. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture and let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the bold flavors.
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken marinates, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to ensure fluffiness. Cook the rice with water or chicken broth according to your rice cooker or stovetop instructions.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Create the Soy Garlic Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce to coat evenly with the delicious glaze.
- Assemble and Garnish: Plate the fluffy rice alongside the glazed chicken. Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and, if desired, a few toasted sesame seeds to complete the dish.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Adjust heat by adding chili flakes or hot sauce gradually.
- Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure fluffy texture.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes off heat for tender, juicy bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: soy garlic chicken, quick chicken recipe, one-pot meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, gluten free chicken, savory chicken dish