Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 16 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, see note 1
- 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, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, honey, and white pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Lightly oil your air fryer basket, arrange the chicken in a single layer, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
- Place the chicken over fresh rice. Optionally serve with veggies and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Why I Love Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken
If you’re into bold garlic-forward dishes with that classic soy glaze umami, this Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken is a keeper. The sauce is a beautiful balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic, and it clings to each piece of juicy chicken. It’s kind of like teriyaki chicken’s better cousin with more garlic and a deeper restaurant quality taste from the oyster sauce.
Fast, Flavorful, And Air Fryer Friendly
This recipe is all about keeping things simple. Just marinate, air fry, and toss, that’s it! You don’t need a wok or any fancy tools, just a quick marinade and your trusty air fryer. It’s done in under 20 minutes, so it’s perfect when you’re hungry and tired but still want something homemade.
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 your chicken into ½-inch chunks.
In a bowl, mix together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, honey, and white pepper. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Lightly oil your air fryer basket, place the chicken in a single layer, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
Serve the chicken over rice, optionally with steamed or roasted vegetables. Top with sesame seeds and scallions.
Tips And Variations
• Make a double batch of the sauce and reserve half to drizzle on your rice or veggies.
• Want some heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
• You can swap the chicken for tofu or even pork belly, though cooking times may vary.
• Make it a bowl: serve with pickled cucumbers, a jammy egg, or sautéed bok choy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pan-fry this instead of air frying?
Yes! Just sear the marinated chicken in a nonstick or cast iron pan over medium-high heat for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through and glazed.
What’s the difference between dark and light soy sauce?
Dark soy sauce is thicker and slightly sweeter, adding color and richness. Light soy sauce is saltier and more intense. Using both gives the dish more depth.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
15–30 minutes is ideal, but you can leave it overnight in the fridge for a stronger flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It holds up great in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave. The flavor gets even better after a day.
What can I serve this with?
Steamed jasmine rice is classic, but it’s also great with garlic noodles, stir-fried greens, or in a rice bowl with toppings.
Try These Next
Try my Crispy Teriyaki Chicken if you want a sweeter take with extra crunch.
Make Black Pepper Beef Udon for another amazing dish with similar flavor profiles.
Or check out my Chicken Peanut Butter Noodles for another meal-prep option.
