Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken
This garlic soy sauce chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that perfectly balances the umami of soy sauce with aromatic garlic. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this easy garlic soy sauce chicken recipe guarantees juicy chicken every time. Try this best garlic soy sauce chicken for your next family meal!
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (use a meat thermometer to check). Remove from heat.
- Drizzle any remaining sauce over the cooked chicken, allowing it to glaze beautifully. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe utilizes thick soy sauce (soy paste), which is richer than regular soy sauce. If unavailable, add extra sugar to regular soy sauce for balance. You can substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts but adjust cooking times accordingly. For spicier flavor, add dried red peppers or a drizzle of chili crisp before serving.