Tender, juicy, and bursting with savory umami flavor, soy sauce braised boneless chicken thighs are a weeknight dinner winner. This simple recipe transforms humble chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Forget dry, overcooked chicken; this method ensures perfectly cooked meat every time, thanks to the slow braising process in a rich, flavorful soy sauce mixture. The result is a dish that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly elegant, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a casual dinner party.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe boasts incredible ease and speed. The straightforward technique requires only a single pot and minimal prep work, making it ideal for busy cooks. Ready to experience the magic of perfectly braised chicken? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this unforgettable meal together.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Scissors
- Pan
- Chopsticks
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 3 (500g)
- Garlic cloves: 4
- Shallot: 1
- Small chili pepper: 1
- Lemon
- Salt
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Chili sauce: 1 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Ground pepper
- Filtered water: 1 tbsp
- Cooking oil: 5-6 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Chicken and Sauce
- Squeeze chicken thighs with lemon and salt to remove bad smell. Wash and drain.
- Chop garlic, shallots, and chili peppers.
- Debone the chicken thighs using a knife. Cut around the bottom of the leg, along the bone, and carefully remove the meat.
- Combine soy sauce, chili sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, ground pepper, and filtered water. Stir well.
Step 2. Brown the Chicken
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken skin-side down until golden brown, turning occasionally.
- Add a little fried flour to the oil to prevent splattering. Continue frying until the meat is cooked and golden brown.
Step 3. Sauté Aromatics and Braise
- Fry garlic, shallots, and chili peppers until fragrant and golden brown.
- Add the sauce to the pan, stir well, and add the chicken. Cook over low heat, flipping occasionally, until the sauce is evenly absorbed and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Once cooked, let the chicken cool. Cut into pieces if desired, or leave whole. If leaving whole, lightly score the chicken to allow better sauce absorption.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- To prevent oil splattering, add a little fried flour to the hot oil before frying the chicken.
- Cook the chicken over low heat to prevent burning and ensure even sauce absorption.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
While this recipe is for boneless, bone-in thighs will work. Just increase the braising time by about 15-20 minutes to ensure they're cooked through.
2. What can I serve with soy sauce braised chicken thighs?
These thighs pair well with rice, steamed vegetables (broccoli, bok choy), noodles, or even mashed potatoes. They're also delicious served with a side of simple salad.
This simple soy sauce braised chicken thigh recipe delivers big on flavor and ease, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation. The tender, flavorful chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of this quick and satisfying dish!