Soy-Glazed Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce
Pan-seared chicken thighs glazed with a savory soy sauce and topped with a fresh ginger and scallion sauce for a fragrant and flavorful dish. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, ginger, stalks scallions into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 400g boneless chicken thighs
- 20g ginger
- 4 stalks scallions
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 400g boneless chicken thighs and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt. Finely julienne 20g fresh ginger and slice 4 scallions thinly, separating white and green parts.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Step 4: Lower heat to medium and in the same skillet, add 3 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir for 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and the julienned ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Remove from heat and garnish with the green parts of the scallions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Soy-Glazed Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Soy-Glazed Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Glazed Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce?
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-Glazed Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Glazed Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce?
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.
