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Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken Recipe with Crispy Skin and Sticky Sauce

5 from 1 vote

Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken

A beautifully plated garlic soy chicken bowl featuring sticky glazed chicken thighs arranged over white rice and topped with scallions and sesame seeds, served with a generous portion of shredded green lettuce on the side. The chicken is deeply caramelized with a rich glaze that contrasts the fresh greens and fluffy rice base.
This Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken blends savory, sweet, and garlicky flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a glossy glaze of soy, garlic, and honey, then air fried until caramelized. Quick, simple, and highly satisfying.
Servings: 2 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 18 minutes

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients 

Chicken & Marinade

  • 16 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (see note)
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ¼ tsp white pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced scallions
  • Steamed or roasted veggies

Instructions 

  • Cut chicken thighs into ½-inch chunks.
  • In a bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, honey, and white pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes; longer (up to overnight) will deepen the flavor.
  • Lightly oil the air fryer basket, arrange chicken in a single layer, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes, until nicely caramelized and cooked through. If using a pan, sear over medium-high heat 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve over steamed rice with optional veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions, and drizzle any reserved sauce over the bowl.

Video

Notes

If you don’t have dark soy sauce, substitute regular soy sauce 1:1. Dark soy sauce mainly adds color and a touch of sweetness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 31gFat: 23g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.


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Why I Love Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken

If you love bold, garlic-forward flavors and a glossy soy glaze, this recipe delivers. The sauce balances salty, sweet, and aromatic notes and clings to tender pieces of chicken. With oyster sauce in the mix, it has a deeper, restaurant-style richness that elevates the familiar teriyaki-like profile.

A juicy piece of garlic soy glazed chicken is held up with chopsticks over a bowl filled with caramelized chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and fresh shredded lettuce. The glossy, sticky glaze clings to the chicken, highlighting its crispy edges and tender inside, making the bite look irresistible and packed with flavor.

Fast, Flavorful, And Air Fryer Friendly

This recipe is designed to be simple: marinate, air fry, and serve. No special equipment required beyond an air fryer and a bowl. It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without fuss.

What You’ll Need To Make Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken

Main Ingredients

  • 16 oz. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ¼ tsp white pepper

Optional Garnish

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced scallions
  • Steamed or roasted veggies

How To Make Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into ½-inch pieces.

Mix dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, honey, and white pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate at least 15 minutes; overnight in the fridge will intensify the flavor.

Thick garlic soy marinade is poured from a metal bowl onto bite-sized raw chicken thighs, ready to be marinated. The glossy dark sauce coats the meat, preparing it for a flavorful soak that infuses the chicken with sweet, savory, and garlicky depth before cooking.

Lightly oil the air fryer basket, arrange chicken in a single layer, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes until caramelized and cooked through. If pan-frying, sear over medium-high heat 6–8 minutes.

A hand carefully places marinated chicken thighs into an air fryer basket, spacing them apart for even cooking. The chicken is already coated in a glossy garlic soy glaze, showing the first step in achieving the crispy and sticky finish of the final dish.

Serve over steamed rice with optional vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions, and drizzle any reserved sauce over the bowl.

A hand sprinkles sesame seeds over a freshly cooked bowl of garlic soy glazed chicken. The chicken pieces are deeply caramelized with crisp edges and glistening glaze, sitting atop white rice with a side of crisp lettuce, creating the perfect final touch for texture and visual appeal.

Tips And Variations

• Make extra sauce and reserve some to drizzle over rice or vegetables.

• Add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for heat.

• Swap chicken for firm tofu or pork belly; adjust cooking times as needed.

• Build a bowl: add pickled cucumbers, a soft-boiled egg, or sautéed bok choy for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pan-fry this instead of air frying?

Yes — sear the marinated chicken in a nonstick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked and glazed.

What’s the difference between dark and light soy sauce?

Dark soy sauce is thicker, slightly sweeter, and adds color; light soy sauce is saltier and more intense. Using both adds depth.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

15–30 minutes is ideal; marinating overnight in the fridge will produce a stronger flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — it keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave; flavors often deepen after resting.

What can I serve this with?

Steamed jasmine rice is classic. It also pairs well with garlic noodles, stir-fried greens, or assembled into a rice bowl with toppings.

Try These Next

Try Crispy Teriyaki Chicken for a sweeter, crunchier option.

Black Pepper Beef Udon offers a similar savory profile with noodles.

Chicken Peanut Butter Noodles make a tasty meal-prep alternative.