Garlic Soy Chicken

Name: Garlic Soy Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken thighs (boneless and skinless); 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp Chinese five-spice powder (optional); 1/4 tsp salt; Dash of white pepper; 3 Tbsp soy sauce; 1.5 Tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 Tbsp oyster sauce; 1 Tbsp water; 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil; Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds

5 from 1 vote

Updated on Sep 11, 2026 · Published by Herman Chan · 2 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

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Garlic soy chicken is one of those recipes I make on a busy weeknight because it's so easy and so flavorful. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, one skillet, you've got juicy chicken thighs coated in a glossy, garlicky sauce that will have you reaching for seconds.

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed garlic soy chicken, broccoli, and sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions. Sliced limes, sauce, and utensils are nearby on a white surface.

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What Is Garlic Soy Chicken?
Why You'll Love This Garlic Soy Chicken
Equipment You'll Need
Ingredients for Garlic Soy Chicken
Customizations
How to Make Garlic Soy Chicken
Storage
Tips to Make the Perfect Garlic Soy Chicken
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Related Recipes You'll Love
Garlic Soy Chicken

What Is Garlic Soy Chicken?

Garlic soy chicken is pan seared chicken thighs simmered in a savory garlic and soy sauce until it's sticky, glossy, and packed with flavor. It's easy and quick enough for a weeknight but tastes like you ordered it from a restaurant.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Soy Chicken

One Pan, No Fuss: Everything cooks in a single skillet so cleanup is very easy.
Big Garlic Flavor: Six cloves of garlic means every bite is loaded with that deep savory flavor.
Ready in Under 20 Minutes: Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that still feels special.

Equipment You'll Need

Large Skillet
Whisk
Mixing Bowl
Tongs

Ingredients for Garlic Soy Chicken

Chicken Marinade

Chicken Thighs: Use boneless and skinless thighs for this recipe for maximum flavor!
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Five Spice Powder: A warm blend of spices that adds a subtle background depth but it's totally optional.
Salt
White Pepper

For the Garlic Soy Sauce

Soy Sauce
Dark Soy Sauce: Thicker and a touch sweeter, it gives the sauce its deep color and rounds out the flavor.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a savory, slightly sweet richness that makes the sauce taste more complex.
Water
Garlic Cloves
Sugar
Sesame Oil

Garnishes

Green Onions
Sesame Seeds

Customizations

Make It Spicy: Add a drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Swap the Protein: Chicken breast or thighs with bone in both work, just adjust the cook time accordingly.
Use an Air Fryer: You can air fry the chicken at 425F for 11-14 minutes and make the sauce in a pan separately.

How to Make Garlic Soy Chicken

Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, five spice powder if using, salt, and white pepper. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes while you prep everything else.

Whisk the Garlic Soy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, minced garlic, sugar, and sesame oil until combined.

Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and pan fry the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Simmer in the Sauce

Pour the garlic soy sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook for 1-2 minutes until cooked through.

Uncover and let the sauce reduce for about 1 minute until it thickens slightly. Reserve any extra sauce for serving.

Slice and Serve

Remove the chicken and slice into strips. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, then spoon over any extra sauce before serving.

Sliced garlic soy chicken is garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served over white rice with steamed broccoli in a beige bowl. Small bowls of green onions, lime wedges, and sauce are in the background.

Storage

Store leftover garlic soy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat so it doesn't dry out or use the microwave.

Tips to Make the Perfect Garlic Soy Chicken

Don't Rush the Sear: A good golden crust on the chicken is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so give it the full time.
Mince the Garlic Fresh: Pre minced jarred garlic works fine but fresh cloves make the sauce taste much better.
Watch the Sauce Closely: It goes from perfectly glossy to overly sticky fast, so keep an eye on it once it starts to reduce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for garlic soy chicken?

Yes, chicken breast works fine. Just watch the cook time since breast meat can dry out faster than thighs.

What can I substitute for dark soy sauce?

If you don't have dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce works, though the sauce will be a bit lighter in color and slightly less caramel in flavor.

Can I make garlic soy chicken ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

Is garlic soy chicken freezer friendly?

It freezes for up to 2 months, but the texture is best fresh since reheating can make the chicken slightly firmer.

What should I serve with garlic soy chicken?

Steamed rice is the classic pairing since it soaks up the extra sauce, but it's also great over noodles or alongside stir fried greens.

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