Imagine sitting down to a warm, comforting bowl of Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice. This delightful dish features juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce flavored with soy, ginger, and garlic. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and depth, making it a family favorite that you’ll want to cook again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a deep, savory taste that makes every bite memorable.
- Comforting Warmth: This dish offers the ultimate in comforting and satisfying meals, perfect for cozy nights.
- Simple Ingredients: Everyday pantry items transform into a gourmet meal without the fuss.
- Family Friendly: A great meal that pleases both kids and adults, making it a versatile dinner option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to assemble a medley of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a significant role in delivering the mouthwatering taste of this dish. From the rich color of the soy sauce to the warmth of ginger, each element adds to making Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice a standout meal.
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs for the juiciest results and additional flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Provides that deep, savory umami flavor that can’t be beaten.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the soy sauce with a hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- Minced Ginger and Garlic: These are aromatic powerhouses that enhance every bite.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the foundation of the flavorful broth, so choose quality for the best results.
- Jasmine Rice: Perfect for its fluffy texture and fragrant aroma, making it the ideal companion to this dish.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe. Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is incredibly adaptable, allowing for substitutions that suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to spice things up.
- Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for tofu and use vegetable broth to create a plant-based rendition.
How to Make Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, which helps achieve that irresistible golden, crispy skin. Season the thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides for a flavor-packed foundation.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil and let them sizzle undisturbed to develop a deliciously crispy skin. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Flip the chicken and toss in soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger directly into the pot. Stir these aromatics together to create a fragrant, caramel-like sauce that will melt into the chicken succulent.
Step 4: Simmer in Broth
Add the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged, and bring it to a gentle boil. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully with the tenderizing chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear, eliminating excess starch for extra fluffiness. In a separate pot, combine the rice with 4 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer on low until absorbed and fluffy.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
If a thicker broth is desired, whisk cornstarch and water, then stir into the broth. Cook for a few more minutes. Serve the chicken over a generous bed of rice, drizzled with luscious broth, and garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
- Golden Crisp: Ensure the chicken skin is dry and the oil is hot for the crispiest texture.
- Balanced Flavors: Taste the broth midway and adjust the salt, garlic, or ginger according to your preference.
- Rice Perfection: Rinsing rice thoroughly helps achieve the fluffiest texture without any stickiness.
- Thickening Option: A cornstarch slurry can thicken the broth if a more robust sauce is desired.
How to Serve Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Garnishes
Chopped green onions and fresh cilantro are the ideal garnishes, offering a burst of color and a fresh, herbal contrast to the savory chicken. They also add an aromatic touch that complements the ginger and garlic beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light cucumber salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy, providing a crisp, fresh element that balances the rich, savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative touch, serve this dish in a wide, shallow bowl, artfully arranging the sliced chicken over a mound of rice. Finish with a drizzle of broth and a sprinkle of garnishes for a show-stopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to marinate further, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
The chicken and broth can be frozen separately for up to three months. Ensure they are completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers to maintain quality.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and broth on the stovetop over medium heat until warm. If the rice has dried out slightly, sprinkle it with a bit of water before microwaving to restore its original texture.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require less cooking time. Ensure they remain tender by not overcooking.
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Is it necessary to use jasmine rice?
Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture, but basmati or any long-grain rice can also work well in this dish.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free variant or tamari to accommodate a gluten-free diet without sacrificing flavor.
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What is the best way to thicken the broth?
A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) is effective at adding body to the broth without altering its flavor.
Final Thoughts
Go ahead and treat yourself to the deliciousness of Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice. Warm, flavorful, and eminently satisfying, this dish will quickly find a place in your regular meal rotation. Enjoy the culinary journey and don’t hesitate to share this comfort meal with loved ones!
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Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, crispy chicken thighs simmered in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based broth infused with fresh ginger and garlic. Served over fluffy jasmine rice, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic elements, making it an ideal meal for cozy nights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
For the Sauce and Broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Rice
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes without moving them, until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger directly into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, absorbing the flavors.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until clear. In a separate pot, combine rice and water, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
- Thicken the Broth (Optional): In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir into the broth and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken, serve over the cooked rice, and ladle the garlic-ginger broth over. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with a little soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier cleanup and crispier skin.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to taste.
- The broth can be thickened more if you prefer a gravy-like consistency.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of dish
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
