Flavorful Soy Garlic Chicken

Category: Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving

Chicken thighs soak up a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and garlic, then get air-fried until golden and tender. The garlic and ginger slices gently cook in broth, making a cozy, fragrant base. Served on fluffy steamed rice, this dish blends sweet and savory flavors for a comforting meal ready in under an hour. Sprinkle some sesame seeds or scallions to add crunch and flavor.

Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:22:23 GMT
A bowl of soy-glazed chicken in garlic and ginger broth with rice. Save
A bowl of soy-glazed chicken in garlic and ginger broth with rice. | chefsnaps.com

Tender chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory glaze come out golden and crisp thanks to the air fryer. They're served on soft, fragrant rice with a cozy garlic and ginger broth that fills the kitchen with warmth. This dish hits the spot on busy weeknights with its comforting flavors.

I whipped this up one cold night when I wanted something tasty but easy. It quickly turned into my go-to for busy evenings when I want something both filling and fancy enough.

What You'll Need

  • 6 boneless chicken thighs: juicy and perfect for soaking up marinade
  • Soy sauce: pick a good naturally brewed kind for deep flavor in chicken and broth
  • Sesame oil: to bring a nutty, true Asian vibe—roasted is best
  • Brown sugar: sweetens the glaze and balances salty notes just right
  • Fresh garlic: minced for marinade, sliced for broth to add warmth
  • Fresh ginger: grated for marinade, sliced for broth brightens the dish
  • Low sodium chicken broth: makes a gentle base for the garlic-ginger broth without too much salt
  • Cornstarch: mix with water if you want a thicker, silky broth
  • Cooked white rice: fluffy rice to soak up all those tasty juices
  • Optional toppings: chopped scallions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and look

Step-by-Step Cooking

A bowl of caramelized soy chicken in garlic ginger broth with rice.
A bowl of caramelized soy chicken in garlic ginger broth with rice. | chefsnaps.com

I remember when a friend who wasn’t sure about air frying was totally impressed by how juicy and tasty the chicken came out. This simple marinade is always a winner, especially with the comforting rice and broth. I find letting the chicken rest a bit before serving keeps all the juices locked in.

How to Store

Switch It Up

Great Side Ideas

A bowl of food with rice and chicken.
A bowl of food with rice and chicken. | chefsnaps.com

Resting chicken after cooking helps spread the juices for moist, tender bites every time. This straightforward dish is a solid pick for a busy weeknight whether cooking for your family or friends.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How do I get that caramelised chicken skin?

Make sure to coat the chicken well in the soy glaze, then air-fry it on high heat, turning once so the caramel forms evenly all over.

→ Is there another way to cook this besides using an air fryer?

You can pan-fry or bake the chicken at a similar temp, just watch it close so the glaze doesn't burn.

→ Why add garlic slices and ginger coins to the broth?

They give the broth fresh, tasty aromas without being too strong or overpowering.

→ Should the broth be thick or thin?

You can let it simmer down naturally to concentrate flavors, or stir in a little cornstarch mix to make it thicker and richer.

→ What garnishes go well with this dish?

Chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds bring a nice crunchy texture and a nutty scent that makes it more interesting and tasty.

Soy Garlic Chicken

Juicy soy-glazed chicken with a garlicky ginger broth over rice, perfect for a quick meal.

Preparation Duration
30 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Desserts

Cooking Skill Level: For Moderate Skills

Cuisine Style: Asian Fusion

Serving Amount: 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: No Dairy Included

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Marinade and Chicken

01 6 skinless chicken thighs
02 2 tsp sesame oil
03 3 tbsp soy sauce
04 5 g brown sugar
05 2 smashed garlic cloves
06 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

→ Broth with Garlic and Ginger

07 4 cups low salt chicken broth
08 1 tbsp soy sauce
09 1 tbsp sesame oil
10 1 tbsp brown sugar
11 2 sliced garlic cloves
12 Piece of ginger about 1 inch, cut into rounds
13 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water, if you want it thicker

→ Sides & Toppings

14 2 cups cooked white rice
15 Sesame seeds if you like
16 Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Mix brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger with the chicken thighs. Let it sit for at least half an hour so it soaks in the flavors.

Step 02

Preheat your air fryer to 193 degrees Celsius and make sure it’s ready before cooking.

Step 03

Cook chicken in the air fryer for 18 to 20 minutes turning once the halfway point hits until it looks golden and a bit crispy outside.

Step 04

Put the chicken broth, garlic slices, soy sauce, ginger rounds, sesame oil, and sugar in a saucepan then warm it up gently.

Step 05

Keep the broth simmering for 10 to 15 minutes so all those flavors come together nicely.

Step 06

If a thicker sauce sounds good to you, stir in the cornstarch mix and cook a couple more minutes till it’s just thicker.

Step 07

Pile cooked rice on plates, top with the crispy chicken, spoon over the broth, and sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds if you like.

Helpful Tips

  1. Leaving the chicken in the marinade longer adds more depth to the taste.
  2. Feel free to tweak the brown sugar to make it sweeter or less so.
  3. Using broth with less salt helps you control the saltiness better.
  4. Fresh green onions and sesame seeds add a nice crunch and fresh flavor.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check labels for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has soy and might have sesame

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat Content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 40 grams
  • Protein Content: 35 grams