Craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor but fuss-free? This Easy Sticky Soy Ginger Chicken is the answer. With just one pan and a handful of easy ingredients, you’ll create a juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, sticky glaze that’s sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Soy Ginger Chicken
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- One-pan cleanup: Less mess, more flavor.
- Balanced flavors: Sweet honey, savory soy, and spicy ginger in every bite.
- Family-friendly: Loved by both adults and kids.
- Meal-prep friendly: Saves well in the fridge for 3 days.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Soy Ginger Chicken
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for cooking)
- Green onions, to garnish
- Sesame seeds, to garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, honey, lemon juice (or vinegar), sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Season chicken pieces with salt & pepper, then sauté until golden brown on all sides (7–10 minutes).
3. Pour in the Sauce
Add the ready Sauce to the pan and stir well to coat the chicken thoroughly.
4. Reduce and Thicken
Lower the heat and let the sauce steam for 2–3 minutes until thick, glossy, and sticky.
5. Garnish and Serve
Draw from heat, then top with sesame seeds & green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Sticky Soy Ginger Chicken: A Quick, One-Pan Weeknight Meal
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs boneless
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced or grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes optional
- salt
- 1 green onion to garnish
- sesame seeds to garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: dark soy sauce, honey, lemon juice (or vinegar), 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using). Set this delicious sauce aside for later use.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the pan. Use a spatula to scrape any extra sauce out of the bowl to ensure no flavor is left behind. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken and become beautifully sticky and glossy, coating the chicken perfectly.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the cooked chicken with green onions and sesame seeds for both color and added flavor. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy this fantastic sticky soy ginger chicken!
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Nutrition
Tips for Serving Soy Ginger Chicken
- Serve it over steamed rice or noodles to absorb the Sauce.
- Pair with broccoli, green beans, or snap peas for a balanced meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—great for meal prep.
Secrets to a Quick, One-Pan Weeknight Meal
The secret lies in using fast-cooking chicken thighs and a simple homemade sauce. Browning the chicken first adds richness, while reducing the Sauce in the same pan gives you a glossy, flavorful glaze. This method saves time, adds depth, and keeps cleanup effortless.
Benefits of Soy Ginger Chicken
- Balanced nutrition: Protein-rich chicken paired with antioxidant-rich ginger and garlic.
- Supports immunity: Ginger and garlic naturally boost immune function.
- Quick & efficient: Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful taste that everyone enjoys.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stays delicious for up to 3 days, saving you time.
This Easy Sticky Soy Ginger Chicken is everything a weeknight dinner should be—quick, delicious, and satisfying. Using just one pan and a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal quickly.
Try it once, and it will definitely earn a spot in your weekly rotation. If you make this recipe, leave a comment below or tag us on social media—we’d love to see your creations!
Looking for something different? Try out our other chicken recipes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works well, though thighs stay juicier. Adjust cook time to avoid drying out.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not with regular soy sauce—but you can easily substitute with tamari or coconut aminos.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
4. What can I serve with soy ginger chicken?
Best served with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables to soak up the Sauce.
5. Can I make the Sauce spicier?
Certainly! You can add extra chili flakes or a splash of sriracha for an extra kick of heat.


















