Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that brings together comforting warmth with vibrant flavors, this Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice hits every note beautifully. Juicy, tender chicken thighs caramelised in a sweet and savory soy glaze slowly simmer in a fragrant broth bursting with garlic and ginger. Served with fluffy jasmine rice, this meal offers a harmonious balance of rich textures and fresh aromatics that will have you coming back for seconds again and again. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this dish are straightforward, yet each one plays an important role in crafting layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice truly special.

• Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These provide juicy, tender meat and crispy skin after caramelising.
• Vegetable oil: Used for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
• Soy sauce: Brings a deep, umami-rich saltiness that forms the base of the caramelised glaze.
• Brown sugar: Balances the soy with sweetness and helps create that luscious caramelised coating.
• Minced ginger: Adds bright, warming spice and fragrant notes to the broth.
• Minced garlic: Infuses the broth with an earthy pungency that complements ginger perfectly.
• Chicken broth: Creates a savory, flavorful base for simmering the chicken.
• Sesame oil: Provides a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the broth.
• Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the broth for a more luxurious texture.
• Salt and pepper: Season the chicken to enhance all the other flavors.
• Jasmine rice: Fragrant and fluffy, it pairs perfectly with the rich chicken and broth.
• Chopped green onions: Offer a fresh, crisp bite and splash of color as garnish.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds bright herbal freshness to balance the richness.

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

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken thighs dry; removing excess moisture ensures they crisp up beautifully when seared. Then, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Simple but essential steps set the foundation for the irresistible caramelised skin.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes. This slow sear creates a crispy, golden crust that’s packed with flavor and texture, making the Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice so memorable.

Step 3: Add Soy, Sugar, Garlic, and Ginger

Flip the chicken and immediately stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and fresh ginger right into the pot. This combination will start melting together into a rich, savory-sweet sauce that cloaks the chicken with irresistibly sticky caramelised goodness.

Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth and Simmer

Pour the chicken broth to just cover the chicken pieces. Bring everything to a gentle boil before lowering the heat and covering the pot. Let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender while soaking up all the flavors of the garlic ginger broth.

Step 5: Cook the Jasmine Rice

While the chicken simmers, rinse jasmine rice under cold water until clear. In a separate pot, combine the rinsed rice with water and bring to a boil. Afterward, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15–20 minutes until the rice is fully tender and fluffy. This fragrant rice is the perfect bedding to soak up that luscious broth.

Step 6: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker, more velvety broth, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir this gently into the simmering broth for 2 to 3 more minutes until it thickens slightly, coating every bite with extra indulgence.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest briefly before slicing. Serve the sliced chicken over the jasmine rice, generously ladling the garlic ginger broth on top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for a burst of fresh flavors and that inviting pop of color.

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

Garnishes

After all the cooking magic, garnishing is what brings the dish alive. Chopped green onions add a lovely crunch and a mild onion aroma, while fresh cilantro delivers a vibrant herbal lift balancing the caramelised richness. These garnishes not only brighten the palate but make your plate look irresistibly inviting.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple to let this Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice shine. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy with a splash of sesame oil will add fresh, textural contrast without competing with the main flavors. These sides round out the meal, adding a refreshing dimension to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family meal, serve the chicken and broth in deep bowls layered over rice. For a dinner party, consider plating the sliced chicken artistically beside perfectly fluffed rice topped with microgreens and edible flowers for elegant flair. No matter the occasion, presentation makes this comforting dish feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld further, making the chicken even more flavorful the next day. Just be sure to store the rice separately to maintain its fluffy texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well as long as the chicken and broth are cooled completely before packing. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within two months for the best flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and broth slowly in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Heat the rice separately in the microwave or steamed to restore its fluffy softness. Taking the time to reheat gently preserves the integrity of the caramelised coating and the delicate broth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can, but chicken thighs are preferred here for their juiciness and ability to stay tender during simmering. Breasts may dry out faster and lack the rich flavor that thighs provide.

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

Yes, the bone adds depth to the broth’s flavor and the skin crisps up beautifully when caramelised, giving essential texture and taste you don’t want to miss.

What kind of rice works best?

Jasmine rice is ideal because its fragrant, slightly sticky grains complement the savory broth perfectly. However, basmati or other long-grain rice could also work if preferred.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes when you add the garlic and ginger for a gentle heat boost without overpowering the dish.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and marinade the chicken a few hours before cooking to deepen the flavors, as well as rinse and soak the rice beforehand for quicker cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting, this Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is an absolute winner. Its rich, layered flavors and inviting textures make it the perfect choice for any occasion, from a cozy night in to impressing friends at dinner. Give it a try—you’ll find this recipe quickly becomes a treasured favorite everyone asks for again and again.

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