Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs (One-Pan Weeknight Favorite)

If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, these Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs deserve a permanent place in your weekly rotation. Juicy boneless chicken thighs are lightly coated for a delicate crisp, pan-fried until golden, then tossed in a glossy soy-garlic-honey sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Best of all, everything comes together in one pan in just 30 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting, savory, and deeply satisfying without a sink full of dishes.

This Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and umami. The garlic is bold but not overpowering, the soy sauce adds depth and richness, and the honey rounds everything out with just enough sweetness. A touch of rice vinegar keeps the sauce from feeling heavy, while optional chili flakes add gentle heat that wakes up the palate.

Whether you serve these Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs over fluffy steamed rice, spoon them onto noodles, or pair them with crisp vegetables, this dish delivers every single time. It’s approachable enough for beginner cooks, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

There are countless chicken thigh recipes out there, but this one stands out for several key reasons:

• Quick and easy – From prep to plate in about 30 minutes

• One-pan recipe – Fewer dishes, more flavor

• Juicy every time – Chicken thighs stay tender and forgiving

• Perfect sauce balance – Sweet, savory, garlicky, and glossy

• Customizable heat level – Mild or spicy, your choice

• Great for meal prep – Reheats beautifully

These Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are also incredibly versatile. You can dress them up with sesame oil and extra garnishes for a dinner party or keep them simple for a cozy weeknight meal.

What Makes Soy Garlic Chicken So Irresistible?

The magic behind Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs lies in the sauce. Soy sauce brings salty umami depth, garlic adds aromatic intensity, honey creates shine and sweetness, and vinegar provides brightness. When simmered together, these simple ingredients transform into a sticky, lacquered sauce that coats the chicken without being heavy or cloying.

Using dark soy sauce enhances color and richness, giving the finished dish that deep, glossy look typically found in restaurant-style Asian-inspired chicken recipes. Meanwhile, a small amount of cornstarch ensures the sauce thickens quickly and evenly in the pan.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 3 tablespoons potato starch

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (for pan frying)

• 8 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 green onions, green and white parts separated

• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

Sauce

• ½ cup chicken stock (or water + chicken bouillon)

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Garnish (Optional)

• Green onion tops

• Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch until fully combined. Set aside. Having the sauce ready is essential because this Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe moves quickly once cooking begins.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and ensures the chicken browns properly instead of steaming.

3. Lightly Bread the Chicken

On a large plate, mix the potato starch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each chicken thigh on both sides. The goal is a thin, even layer—not a heavy batter. This light breading gives the chicken a delicate crisp that pairs perfectly with the sticky soy garlic sauce.

4. Pan-Fry Until Golden

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

5. Cook the Aromatics

Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic, white parts of the green onions, and red chili flakes to the same pan. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be aromatic, not bitter.

6. Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, stirring constantly. Within about a minute, the sauce will thicken and become glossy.

7. Finish the Dish

Return the chicken thighs to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally so it absorbs all that soy garlic flavor.

8. Serve

Garnish with green onion tops and sesame seeds if desired. Serve your Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs hot over steamed rice or alongside vegetables.

Tips for the Best Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Prep first – Once the pan is hot, everything moves fast

• Light coating only – Too much starch or flour will make the dish heavy

• Use dark soy sauce if possible – It adds depth and beautiful color

• Adjust sweetness – Add more or less honey to taste

• Love sauce? Double it for extra drizzle over rice

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook in batches if needed

Alternative Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Method

Air fry the lightly coated chicken thighs at 390°F (200°C) for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce on the stovetop and toss the crispy chicken in the sauce before serving.

Oven-Baked Method

Bake the coated chicken thighs at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once. Finish by tossing with the hot soy garlic sauce.

Both methods work beautifully if you want a slightly lighter version of Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs.

Serving Suggestions

Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs pair well with:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

• Fried rice or garlic rice

• Noodles or udon

• Steamed broccoli, green beans, or bok choy

• Simple cucumber salad for freshness

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of water or stock if the sauce thickens too much.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce texture may change.

Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs (One-Pan Weeknight Favorite)

Print Recipe

These Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are 10/10 delicious and incredibly simple to make. Lightly coated for a delicate crisp, pan-fried until golden, then tossed in a glossy soy-garlic-honey sauce — all in one pan. This recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for weeknight dinners served with rice and vegetables.

• Author: salah

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 3 tablespoons potato starch

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (for pan frying)

• 8 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 green onions (green and white parts separated)

• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

Sauce

• ½ cup chicken stock
  (or water + chicken bouillon)

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Garnish (Optional)

• Green onion (green parts only)

• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Make the sauce
   In a bowl, combine the chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.

2. Prepare the chicken
   Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

3. Lightly bread the chicken
   On a large plate, mix the potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat the chicken thighs on both sides.

4. Pan-fry
   Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for about 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

5. Cook aromatics
   In the same pan, add the minced garlic, white parts of the green onions, and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden.

6. Add sauce
   Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring until thickened.

7. Finish the dish
   Return the chicken to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, turning to coat evenly in the glossy sauce until fully cooked.

8. Serve
   Garnish with green onion tops and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice and vegetables.

Notes

• Prep everything first — this recipe moves quickly once cooking starts.

• Light breading is key; too much coating will overpower the sauce.

• Dark soy sauce adds color and depth, but regular soy sauce can be used if needed.

• Double the sauce if you love extra for rice or vegetables.

• Alternative cooking methods: Air fry or bake the chicken until crispy, then toss with the sauce.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 480 kcal

• Protein: 32 g

• Fat: 24 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

• Sugar: 22 g

Final Thoughts

These Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs prove that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple pantry ingredients, one skillet, and less than 30 minutes, you get a dish that feels indulgent, comforting, and deeply satisfying. The tender chicken, crisp edges, and glossy soy garlic sauce come together in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again—on busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you’re craving something savory and cozy. It’s adaptable, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile, whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables.