Braised Chicken in Soya Sauce

Infused with aromatic spices and rich umami flavors, braised chicken in soy sauce is a comforting dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a luscious, caramelized soy-based sauce. This recipe features the perfect balance of light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from sugar, all enhanced by the warming notes of garlic, ginger, star anise, and bay leaves. Slowly simmered to perfection, the chicken absorbs the deep flavors of the sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dish is finished with fresh scallions for a burst of freshness, and the thickened sauce makes it an ideal pairing for steamed rice or noodles. Ready in under an hour, this easy yet flavorful recipe is perfect for family dinners or an indulgent weeknight treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Chicken thighs
• 0.25 cup Light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 inch Ginger
• 2 pieces Star anise
• 2 Bay leaves
• 3 stalks Scallions
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground white pepper

Directions

Step 1

Clean and pat dry the chicken thighs using paper towels. Trim any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2

Peel the garlic cloves and gently crush them with the side of a knife. Slice the ginger into thin pieces.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the crushed garlic and sliced ginger to the pan, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5

Carefully place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, into the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 6

In the same pan, add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, star anise, bay leaves, and water. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 7

Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid as much as possible.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the chicken simmer for 25 minutes. Occasionally spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure it is evenly braised.

Step 9

After 25 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Let the sauce reduce and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and ground white pepper as needed.

Step 11

Chop the scallions into 2-inch pieces and add them to the pan in the final 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 12

Turn off the heat and serve the braised chicken in soy sauce hot, garnished with additional scallions if desired. Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1615.7 grams (1615.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2352

Total Fat 127.30g	163%
Saturated Fat 32.60g	163%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 846mg	282%
Sodium 8913mg	388%
Total Carbohydrate 46.90g	17%
Dietary Fiber 3.70g	13%
Total Sugars 26.50g
Protein 244.10g	488%

Vitamin D 63IU	315%
Calcium 283mg	22%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 2821mg	60%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.6%

Protein: 42.3%

Carbs: 8.1%