Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible, you’ve got to try this Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice. It’s an absolute showstopper with tender, golden chicken thighs caramelised to perfection in a sweet and salty soy glaze, all nestled in a fragrant garlic and ginger broth. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice, this dish blends simple ingredients into a bowl of heartwarming goodness that will make every dinner feel special. Trust me, once you dig into this, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but work in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture in your Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice. Each element adds something crucial, from the crispiness of the chicken skin to the aromatic punch of ginger and garlic, to the soothing fluffiness of jasmine rice.

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The skin crisps up beautifully while the bone keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for a hot sear without overpowering the flavors.
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides the savory, salty backbone of the caramelised glaze.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds richness and helps create that mouthwatering caramelised coating on the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Brings warmth and a fresh zing that lifts the whole broth.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses deep aromatic flavor, making each spoonful more comforting.
• 2 cups chicken broth: The savory base that bathes the chicken and brings everything together.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the broth’s complexity.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional): Great for thickening the broth if you want a more luscious finish.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essentials for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
• 2 cups jasmine rice: The ideal fragrant and fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious broth.
• 4 cups water: For cooking the jasmine rice perfectly.
• Chopped green onions, for garnish: Adds a fresh, crisp bite and splash of color on top.
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Imparts a bright, herbal pop that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Make Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Let’s start with the foundation of this dish. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this is key for getting that irresistible crispy skin. Then give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or deep skillet. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken nicely without burning the oil—this step sets the stage for that beautiful caramelised skin.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil and resist the urge to move them around! Give them 5 to 7 minutes to form a golden, crispy crust that’s packed with texture and flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Flip the chicken, then add the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger directly to the pot. Stir gently to mix these into the glaze that will coat the chicken, infusing every bite with that signature sweet and savory aromatic punch.

Step 5: Add Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is almost submerged. This broth is going to slowly tenderize the meat and create the delicious base of your garlic ginger broth.

Step 6: Simmer

Lower your heat and cover the pot. Let the chicken simmer gently for about 20 minutes, absorbing all those incredible flavors until it’s cooked through and irresistibly tender.

Step 7: Cook the Rice

While the chicken simmers, grab your jasmine rice and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear—this washes away excess starch for perfectly fluffy grains.

Step 8: Prepare the Rice

In a separate pot, combine the rinsed jasmine rice with 4 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is light, fluffy, and ready to soak up the broth.

Step 9: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

If you like your broth a bit richer and more saucy, mix the cornstarch with a splash of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering broth. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens up nicely.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into pieces. Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of jasmine rice, ladle plenty of that garlic ginger broth over the top, and finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for that perfect pop of brightness.

How to Serve Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice

Garnishes

Garnishing is where this dish really shines visually and flavor-wise. Chopped green onions add a crisp, oniony freshness and a lovely splash of green. Fresh cilantro brings a clean, herbal brightness that cuts through the savory richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple alongside this soul-satisfying meal. A light cucumber salad or steamed greens like bok choy or spinach work beautifully—they add a refreshing crunch and balance the deep flavors of the broth and chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a trendy twist, serve this dish in a deep bowl, spooning the broth generously like a comforting soup. Or arrange the chicken neatly over the rice on a large platter with garnishes scattered on top for a shareable family-style feast that looks stunning on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and rice together or separately in airtight containers to preserve the texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, place the chicken and broth in a freezer-safe container. The rice freezes well too but can be slightly less fluffy when reheated. For best results, freeze everything separately.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, and cover to steam the rice back to its original softness. This dish revives wonderfully for an easy next-day meal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they can dry out more easily, so watch your cooking time and adjust accordingly to keep them juicy.

Is it necessary to use bone-in, skin-on chicken?

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds flavor, moisture, and crispy texture. But if you prefer boneless or skinless, just tweak the searing and cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

For a plant-based version, try substituting chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust the simmering time accordingly.

How spicy is the broth? Can I add heat?

This recipe is mild by nature, focusing on savory and sweet notes. But feel free to add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil if you want some heat.

What kind of rice is best for this recipe?

Jasmine rice is ideal because it’s fragrant and fluffy, perfectly absorbing the flavorful garlic ginger broth without overpowering it.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely heartwarming about a bowl of Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and share something truly delicious with the people you love. So next time you want to whip up a comforting yet impressive dinner, dive into this recipe – your taste buds will thank you endlessly.

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