Name: Crispy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (21/25 count), thawed, peeled, deveined, tails removed; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 medium shallot, finely chopped (about ¼ cup); 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned; 8 oz dry orzo pasta (about ½ box); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 ½ cups chicken stock; 3 cups fresh baby spinach (about 4 oz); ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Crispy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are pan-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a buttery soy garlic sauce with hints of ginger and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. This quick one-pan dinner pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes. The cornstarch coating ensures the chicken stays crispy even after being coated in sauce, while the buttery soy garlic glaze clings to every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for weeknights yet feels special enough for entertaining. Crispy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:
6 boneless chicken thighs (about 1 ½ lbs)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup cornstarch
¼ cup vegetable or canola oil

For the Sauce:
6 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger
6 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
6 tablespoons soy sauce
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Directions

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place cornstarch in a bowl and coat chicken evenly.
Heat oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
Reduce heat to medium-low, wipe excess oil from skillet, and add butter, garlic, and ginger. Cook until butter melts and garlic is fragrant.
Stir in brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return chicken to skillet, tossing to coat in sauce.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 513 kcal per serving

Variations

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or drumsticks.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for tang.
Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
Add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra veggies.
Increase red pepper flakes or add chili paste for more heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain crispness, or in the microwave in short bursts. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so add a splash of water when reheating if needed.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, but increase cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

Pat the chicken dry before coating with cornstarch and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

Rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables pair beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken in advance, but for best crispness, coat in sauce just before serving.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, though butter gives a richer flavor.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—just maintain the same ingredient ratios.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to taste.

Can I freeze this recipe?

It’s best fresh, as the coating may soften after freezing.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer it a bit longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

Conclusion

Crispy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are the ultimate quick-and-easy dinner—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce. With simple pantry ingredients and just one pan, you can have a takeout-worthy meal ready in minutes.