soy sauce chicken marinade recipe

The Best soy sauce chicken marinade recipe

I’ve been making this soy sauce chicken marinade recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I love how the combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a rich and savory flavor that’s hard to resist. My kids adore it, and it’s a great way to get them to eat their protein.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the marinade does all the work for you. As an American blogger, I’ve had the pleasure of trying many different soy sauce chicken recipes, but this one remains my favorite. It’s a classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s been adapted to suit Western tastes.

The key is in the marinade – it’s a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar that adds depth and complexity to the chicken. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. The technique behind this recipe is straightforward – simply mix the marinade ingredients together and apply them to your chicken. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Then, grill or bake the chicken until it’s cooked through. That’s it! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its health benefits.

Soy sauce is packed with umami flavor without adding excess salt or sugar. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the dish. And let’s not forget about the antioxidants from the garlic and ginger – they’re like a free health boost!

Soy Sauce Chicken Marinade

4.7 from 1816 votes

This soy sauce chicken marinade creates a savory, slightly sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill or in the oven. It is perfect for chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks, infusing them with rich umami flavor.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Chicken

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2This creates a balanced marinade with sweet and savory notes.
3Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
5When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
6Heat vegetable oil in a grill or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
7Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
8The exterior should be golden brown and slightly charred in spots.
9Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
10This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
Grill or oven-safe skillet
Tongs
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a thicker glaze, simmer the leftover marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly reduced. Do not reuse raw marinade without boiling it first. This marinade also works well with tofu or shrimp.

This soy sauce chicken marinade is a recipe I keep coming back to because it is so versatile and reliable. I often make extra and store the cooked chicken in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

To reheat I just pop it in a hot oven for a few minutes or slice it cold over salads and rice bowls. It also freezes well so I sometimes double the batch and keep some ready to go.

For serving I love pairing it with steamed rice and a simple vegetable stir fry or a fresh cucumber salad. The leftovers are just as good the next day and the flavors seem to meld even more.

Whether I am feeding my family on a busy Tuesday or bringing a dish to a potluck this marinade always delivers. It is one of those recipes that makes everyone happy and I never get tired of making it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Soy Sauce Chicken Marinade

Q: What type of soy sauce should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using a light or low-sodium soy sauce. This will help prevent overpowering the other flavors in the dish.

Q: Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh ginger if you prefer! Just be sure to grate or chop it finely before adding it to the marinade.

Q: How long can I store this marinade in the fridge?

This marinade will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I make this recipe with gluten-free soy sauce?

Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, as written, this recipe includes chicken. However, you can easily substitute with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

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