Soy Chicken with Garlic Rice Recipe
Table of Contents
Soy Chicken with Garlic Rice is a delicious, Asian-inspired dish that combines the savory flavors of marinated soy sauce chicken with aromatic garlic rice. It’s a perfect recipe for weeknight dinners, offering a balance of protein and carbs with just the right amount of flavor. Here’s everything you need to create this tasty meal at home.
Soy Chicken with Garlic Rice Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or cooking oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro
Recipe Directions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in a ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, melt the butter (or heat the oil) over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the raw rice grains to the saucepan, stirring to coat the grains in garlic.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add salt if desired. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it covered until serving.
- Next, cook the chicken. Preheat a grill pan, skillet, or grill over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess to drip off (reserve marinade if you want to make a sauce).
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra flavor, brush the chicken with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking, ensuring it cooks through.
- Spoon the garlic rice onto each plate and top with slices of soy chicken.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
Recipe Tips
- Add an extra teaspoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter marinade, or balance with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice before serving.
- Double the marinade ingredients and set some aside before adding the chicken for an extra drizzle over the dish.
- Use tofu or a vegetarian option, marinating and cooking similarly.
- Add bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots to the pan when cooking the chicken for added texture and flavor.
Final Note
Soy Chicken with Garlic Rice is a flavorful dish that brings together savory, aromatic ingredients for a satisfying meal. With easy steps and versatile options for customizing sweetness or adding vegetables, it’s a great choice for weeknight dinners. Enjoy this homemade meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful!
For more delicious and nutritious rice recipes, check out our collection.