Soy Sauce Chicken is a classic Chinese dish full of deep, savory flavor. Traditionally slow-braised for an hour or more, this version brings all the richness and aroma in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs are seared until golden, then simmered in a fragrant soy-based sauce with warm spices like star anise and cinnamon. It’s fast, flavorful, and beginner-friendly — perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without the wait.
Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe
Serving: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
4 chicken thighs, skin-on, boneless
3 slices ginger
1 stalk scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup water
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 ½ tablespoons dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (optional)
½ cinnamon stick
2 pods star anise
2 bay leaves
¼ piece dried tangerine peel
Soy Sauce Chicken Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken:
- Use a paper towel to scrub the skin side of the chicken to remove any filaments.
- Trim off excess fat and skin. Slice the chicken meat about 1 inch apart without cutting all the way through — this helps the chicken cook faster and absorb more flavor.
2. Sear the chicken:
- In a pan over medium heat, place the chicken skin-side down. No extra oil is needed — the chicken will release its own fat.
- Sear for 2 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 2 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the sauce:
- In the same pan over low heat, use the remaining chicken fat to stir-fry the ginger and scallions until aromatic, about 1 minute.
- Add sugar and stir until melted and lightly browned.
- Pour in the water, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine (if using).
- Add cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaves, and dried tangerine peel. Whisk and bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer the chicken:
- Return the chicken to the pan. Cover with a lid and simmer for 6 minutes.
- Flip the chicken, cover again, and cook for another 6 minutes.
- Uncover the lid and turn the heat to high. Cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce is reduced and glossy.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve the soy sauce chicken:
- Remove the chicken and cut into small pieces. Spoon over some sauce and enjoy with rice or noodles.
Tips & notes
- Shaoxing wine substitute: If you don’t consume alcohol, simply omit it or replace with low-sodium chicken stock.
- Use bone-in thighs if preferred: You can swap in bone-in thighs — just increase the simmering time.
- Make ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container with the sauce to reheat later.
- No tangerine peel? You can skip it or substitute with a thin strip of fresh orange peel for a similar aroma.
10 thoughts on “30-Min Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe (Chicken Thighs)”
I will make it itvlook very nicevtq for sharing your recipes
Hi Christine,
Thank you for your lovely comment! I hope you’ll enjoy it! 🙂
I made this soy chicken thighs both my husband and my self enjoyed every mouthful I did exactly how you made it and I will be making it again thank you so much for sharing x
Hi Dianne,
Thank you for stopping by my website! I’m so happy that you and your husband enjoyed this recipe. Have a wonderful day!
Yes! Please, love quick and easy recipe, looking forward to see more! Thank you, Cici!
Hi Vionna,
Thanks for stopping by! I post a new recipe every Friday. I hope to see you around! 🙂
Dear Cici, is it alright to omit the sugar for diabetic?
Yes, absolutely! That will be just fine. Enjoy!
Thank you for the recipe, fast, easy, delicious and so economical!
Hi Fredda,
You are most welcome! So glad that you you liked the recipe!