5 from 1 vote

Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken

A beautifully plated garlic soy chicken bowl featuring sticky glazed chicken thighs arranged over white rice and topped with scallions and sesame seeds, served with a generous portion of shredded green lettuce on the side. The chicken is deeply caramelized with a rich glaze that contrasts the fresh greens and fluffy rice base.

This Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken combines savory soy, sweet honey, and bold garlic for a glossy, irresistible glaze. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated, then air fried until caramelized and sticky. Fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Servings:
2 servings

Prep:
10

Cook:
8

Total:
18

Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing bowls

Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade

16 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch chunks
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or regular soy sauce as a substitute)
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 vegetables

Instructions

Cut the chicken thighs into ½-inch chunks.
In a bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, honey, and white pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Lightly oil the air fryer basket. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, or until caramelized and cooked through.
Serve the glazed chicken over steamed rice. Optionally add steamed or roasted vegetables and finish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

Video

A short video demonstrates the steps and shows the final glazed chicken. Watch the video on the same page if available.

Notes

(1) If you don’t have dark soy sauce, substitute regular soy sauce 1:1. Dark soy sauce mainly adds color and a touch of richness.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

Calories:
370
kcal

Carbohydrates:
9
g

Protein:
31
g

Fat:
23
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

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Why I Love Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken

If you enjoy bold, garlic-forward flavors with rich soy umami, this Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken is a keeper. The glaze balances salty, sweet, and aromatic notes and clings to each tender piece of chicken. With oyster sauce for depth and plenty of garlic, it tastes like a restaurant-style dish without the fuss.

A juicy piece of garlic soy glazed chicken is held up with chopsticks over a bowl filled with caramelized chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and fresh shredded lettuce. The glossy, sticky glaze clings to the chicken, highlighting its crispy edges and tender inside, making the bite look irresistible and packed with flavor.

Fast, Flavorful, and Air Fryer Friendly

This recipe is about keeping dinner simple: marinate, air fry, and serve. No wok required—just a quick marinade and your air fryer. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade that still feels special.

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 (or regular 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 vegetables

How To Make Garlic Soy Glazed Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into ½-inch chunks. In a bowl, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, honey, and white pepper. Add the chicken and marinate at least 15 minutes.

Thick garlic soy marinade is poured from a metal bowl onto bite-sized raw chicken thighs, ready to be marinated. The glossy dark sauce coats the meat, preparing it for a flavorful soak that infuses the chicken with sweet, savory, and garlicky depth before cooking.

Lightly oil the air fryer basket and arrange the chicken in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes, until the edges are caramelized and the chicken is cooked through. Serve over steamed rice with optional vegetables and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.

A hand carefully places marinated chicken thighs into an air fryer basket, spacing them apart for even cooking. The chicken is already coated in a glossy garlic soy glaze, showing the first step in achieving the crispy and sticky finish of the final dish.

A hand sprinkles sesame seeds over a freshly cooked bowl of garlic soy glazed chicken. The chicken pieces are deeply caramelized with crisp edges and glistening glaze, sitting atop white rice with a side of crisp lettuce, creating the perfect final touch for texture and visual appeal.

Tips and Variations

Make a double batch of the sauce and reserve half to drizzle over rice or vegetables. For heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a little sriracha to the marinade. You can swap chicken for tofu or pork belly—adjust cook times as needed. Turn it into a bowl with pickled cucumbers, a soft-boiled egg, or sautéed bok choy for extra texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pan-fry this instead of air frying?

Yes. Sear the marinated chicken in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 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 and is often used for color and richness. Light soy sauce is saltier and more intense. Using both layers the flavor.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

15–30 minutes is ideal. For a stronger flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave. Flavors often deepen after a day.

What can I serve this with?

Steamed jasmine rice is classic, but it also pairs well with garlic noodles, stir-fried greens, or served in a rice bowl with your favorite toppings.

Try These Next

For other flavorful dishes, try Crispy Teriyaki Chicken, Black Pepper Beef Udon, or Chicken Peanut Butter Noodles for different takes on savory-sweet sauces and hearty bowls.