Soy-Braised Chicken Thighs with Scallions and Ginger

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered slowly in a fragrant soy sauce broth with fresh ginger and scallions for a deeply savory, comforting dish. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, soy sauce, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 bone-in chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 smashed garlic cloves, 2-inch sliced fresh ginger, and 4 stalks of scallions cut into 2-inch pieces to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1 cup water, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir gently to combine and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 25 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through, the sauce slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, scatter 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and cook uncovered for 3 more minutes to slightly reduce the sauce. Serve warm with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Braised Chicken Thighs with Scallions and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Soy-Braised Chicken Thighs with Scallions and Ginger?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Braised Chicken Thighs with Scallions and Ginger?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Soy-Braised Chicken Thighs with Scallions and Ginger for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Soy-Braised Chicken Thighs with Scallions and Ginger?

Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes