Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken: Tender, Flavorful, and Quick to Make

Garlic soy sauce chicken is your gateway to delicious, moist chicken infused with bold, savory-sweet flavors. This dish combines the rich umami of soy sauce with the warm, aromatic punch of garlic, creating a flavor profile that’s deeply satisfying.

What makes this recipe extra special? The quick pan-fry technique crisps the skin while locking in all those incredible juices, making it a go-to dish for a weeknight dinner or a slightly elevated family meal.

You’ll love how this recipe turns basic ingredients into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can spice it up with dried red peppers or drizzle it with chili crisp for an added kick.

With minimal prep and just one skillet, you’ll have perfectly juicy chicken on the table in under 45 minutes. Ready to make the best garlic soy sauce chicken of your life? Let’s get cooking!

My Story Behind This Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken

I’ll never forget the first time I tried a similar pan fried chicken with soy sauce recipe at a street food stall in Taiwan.

The aroma of caramelized soy sauce wafted through the air, drawing a line of eager diners, myself included. When I bit into that juicy, garlicky chicken, I knew I had to recreate it at home.

Over the years, I’ve refined this dish into what I believe is the best garlic soy sauce chicken. I added small touches, like scoring the chicken to let the marinade penetrate deeply and balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar with the savory depth of thick soy sauce.

Now, every time I make this quick garlic chicken recipe, it’s like taking a flavorful trip back to that bustling street market!

Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Ingredients

• 3 lbs bone-in chicken quarters
• ½ cup thick soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Dried red peppers (optional)

How to Make Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken

1. Make shallow vertical cuts 1–2 inches apart across the chicken leg quarters to allow the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat and ensure even cooking.
2. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken, thick soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Mix until the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
3. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken skin-side down. Sear for about 7 minutes, or until the skin is golden-brown and crispy.
4. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, spooning the marinade over the chicken as it cooks. Add dried red peppers at this stage if you’d like to introduce some heat.
5. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (use a meat thermometer to check). Remove from heat.
6. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the cooked chicken, allowing it to glaze beautifully. Serve hot and enjoy!

My Chef Tips for the Best Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken

• Marination is key: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for as long as possible—overnight if you can. This step maximizes flavor absorption.
• Don’t skip the shallow cuts: Scoring the chicken helps the marinade get deep into the meat and ensures even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, ensure it hits 165°F at the thickest part.
• Adjust sweetness: If you’re using regular soy sauce instead of thick soy sauce, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to maintain the balance of flavors.
• Batch cooking: This chicken stores beautifully! Double the recipe, and you’ll have flavorful protein ready to pack for lunch or use in other dishes.
• Reheating tip: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to retain the best texture and flavor—avoid the microwave if possible.

Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken FAQs

What is thick soy sauce?

Thick soy sauce, also known as soy paste, is a richer and sweeter version of regular soy sauce. It adds depth and a slightly caramelized flavor to dishes. If you don’t have it, mix regular soy sauce with a little extra brown sugar, or substitute oyster sauce for a similar effect.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well in this easy garlic soy sauce chicken. Just reduce the cooking time to ensure the meat stays tender and juicy.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add dried red peppers during cooking for a mild kick, or drizzle the finished chicken with chili crisp for a more intense burst of heat.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Is this dish healthy?

This recipe is relatively balanced, with 569 calories per serving and a healthy protein-to-fat ratio. Serve it with steamed vegetables or jasmine rice to round out the meal!

Ready to Make This Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken?

This garlic soy sauce chicken is everything you could want in a recipe: packed with bold flavors, quick to make, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weekday dinner or spicing it up for a crowd-pleaser, it’s a recipe that will never let you down!

What are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, whip up this dish, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Did you add your own twist or stick to the original? I can’t wait to hear from you—and don’t forget to tag me if you share it on social media!