Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you up in flavor and comfort, Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is it! This is the kind of meal that sings with savory richness, deep caramel notes, and those irresistible hits of ginger and garlic—all cascading over tender chicken thighs and fluffy jasmine rice. Every bite brings together a satisfying crunch, a silky sauce, and the unmistakable aromas of home-cooked goodness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive for guests. Trust me, you’ll have everyone swooning over their bowls!
Ingredients You’ll Need
No tricks here—the power of Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is in its honest, simple ingredients. Each one adds depth, flavor, or that perfect finishing touch, so let’s give them the spotlight they deserve.
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): Using bone-in, skin-on pieces gives you unrivaled juiciness and gorgeous crispy edges.
- Vegetable oil: The neutral oil helps crisp up the chicken skin and builds the flavorful base for the broth.
- Soy sauce: Brings deep umami and saltiness that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Adds the caramelized sweetness that makes this dish totally crave-worthy.
- Ginger, minced: Fresh ginger adds a bright zesty pop that cuts through the richness.
- Garlic, minced: Nothing beats the aromatic punch of lots of garlic mingling through the broth.
- Chicken broth: The broth carries every savory flavor and keeps the chicken wonderfully moist.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty finish you’ll taste in every spoonful.
- Cornstarch (optional): If you like a thicker broth, just a touch will give that perfect glossy coat.
- Salt and pepper: Always taste and season to make every flavor shine its brightest.
- Jasmine rice: Its gentle floral aroma is the perfect match for the saucy chicken.
- Water: Needed for perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.
- Chopped green onions: These add crispness and a mild, fresh bite on top.
- Fresh cilantro: For an herby, citrusy pop that finishes each bowl beautifully.
How to Make Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken thighs dry—this step is crucial for a crispy, golden skin. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, massaging it in so every crevice gets love. This simple prep lays the groundwork for flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Grab a large, heavy pot or deep skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Pour in the vegetable oil, letting it shimmer—this ensures your chicken skin will sear perfectly and not stick to the pan.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Carefully lay the chicken, skin-side down, into the hot oil. Push down gently with a spatula so the skin makes full contact. Leave it alone for 5–7 minutes, resisting the urge to move it; this is how you build that irresistible crust that makes Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice so memorable.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Once the underside is a gorgeous golden brown, flip each thigh. Now, let the magic begin: pour in the soy sauce, sprinkle in the brown sugar, and toss in all that minced garlic and ginger. Stir everything around, coating the chicken and letting the aromas fill your kitchen.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the thighs are nestled down in the luscious sauce. The combination of broth, soy, ginger, and garlic begins to bubble and meld, promising something spectacular.
Step 6: Simmer
Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low and cover. Simmer the chicken for around 20 minutes. As it cooks, the flavors deepen and the chicken becomes tender, soaking up all the caramelized, savory goodness.
Step 7: Cook the Rice
Meanwhile, it’s rice time. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until clear—this removes any excess starch, ensuring your rice turns out fluffy, not sticky.
Step 8: Prepare the Rice
In a separate pot, combine your rinsed rice and water. Bring it to a lively boil, then cover and lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, no peeking! When you finally lift the lid, a pot of fragrant, fluffy rice awaits.
Step 9: Thicken the Broth (Optional)
If you like your broth to cling to your rice and chicken, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of water into a quick slurry. Stir it into your simmering broth, and watch it transform to a glossy, rich sauce in just a couple of minutes.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fall-apart tender, lift it onto a cutting board, let it cool slightly, then slice into generous pieces. Spoon steamy jasmine rice into bowls, top with the chicken, and drench with garlic ginger broth. Shower the whole thing in fresh green onions and cilantro. There you have it—Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice made in your own kitchen!
How to Serve Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches: a soft snowfall of vibrant green onions and just-torn cilantro leaves makes the whole dish pop both visually and flavor-wise. For extra crunch, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a quick swirl of sesame oil over the top is delightful.
Side Dishes
This chicken and rice bowl is hearty on its own, but if you want to build a feast, try it alongside crisp sautéed Asian greens like bok choy or gai lan. A simple cucumber salad or a plate of pickled veggies also adds cool contrast and crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice family-style, with the chicken cut into pieces and the broth ladled in a generous pool over a platter of rice. Or, try assembling cozy individual bowls, letting everyone build their own with extra broth and toppings—it’s a fun, interactive meal for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken and broth together in an airtight container, and the rice separately. This prevents the rice from soaking up all the broth overnight and keeps every texture just right.
Freezing
Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice actually freezes very well! Cool everything completely, then store the chicken and broth in a freezer bag or container. Rice can be frozen too, in a separate bag or container. Enjoy within three months for the best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and broth together in a covered saucepan until piping hot, adding a splash of water if needed. Warm the rice in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, or steam it until it’s fluffy again. Reassemble and enjoy a meal that tastes freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken adds extra flavor and texture, boneless thighs work well and will cook a bit faster. Just keep an eye on them so they stay juicy.
Can I make Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice in advance?
Yes, this dish is fantastic for making ahead. The flavors deepen as it sits, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance and gently reheat for an even more satisfying meal.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap the soy sauce for a certified gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your chicken broth as well to make sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
What’s the best way to get crispy chicken skin?
The key is to pat the chicken dry and leave it undisturbed while searing. This transforms the skin into golden, crunchy goodness that stands up beautifully in the aromatic broth.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Add sliced bok choy, snow peas, or baby corn during the simmering stage for a full one-bowl dinner. Just ensure you don’t overload the broth so it stays rich and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to wow your family or just need a cozy bowl of comfort, Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice truly delivers. Every step is worth it for that first spoonful of savory chicken, fragrant rice, and vibrant garnishes. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner!
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Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish of Caramelised Soy Chicken in a fragrant Garlic Ginger Broth served over fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 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)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken: Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to the pot with the chicken.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer chicken for 20 minutes.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse jasmine rice and cook in water until fluffy.
- Prepare the Rice: Combine rinsed rice and water, boil, then simmer until cooked.
- Thicken the Broth (Optional): Mix cornstarch with water, add to broth, and cook until thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Slice chicken, serve over rice, ladle broth, and garnish with green onions and cilantro.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the dish according to your preference.
- For extra heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Caramelised Soy Chicken, Garlic Ginger Broth, Jasmine Rice, Asian Chicken Recipe
