Soy Sauce Chicken (豉油鸡) is a classic Chinese dish known for its juicy, tender meat and rich, flavorful glaze. This dish, also called "See Yao Gai", is slow-cooked in a savory soy sauce mixture that infuses the chicken with deep umami goodness.
If you’re craving restaurant-quality Soy Sauce Chicken at home, this recipe will guide you through the best ingredients, cooking techniques, and pro tips to get that perfect glossy, caramelized finish. Let’s get cooking!
What is Soy Sauce Chicken?
Soy Sauce Chicken is a traditional Cantonese dish where whole chicken is poached in a soy sauce-based broth until tender. It's commonly found in Chinese BBQ restaurants and enjoyed with rice or noodles.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔️ Authentic Cantonese Flavor – Perfectly balanced soy sauce, star anise, and Shaoxing wine.
✔️ Juicy & Tender Meat – Slow-poaching locks in moisture.
✔️ Easy to Make at Home – Requires simple ingredients yet delivers a restaurant-style taste.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 5 cups water
- 1 cup soy sauce (light soy sauce for flavor)
- ¼ cup dark soy sauce (for color)
- ½ cup Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 6 slices ginger
- 5 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 green onions (tied into a knot)
For the Glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
For Serving:
- Steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Broth
- In a large pot, combine water, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, and green onions.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Gently lower the whole chicken into the pot, breast-side down.
- Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
- Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the broth for another 15 minutes to absorb more flavor.
Step 3: Glaze & Serve
- Carefully remove the chicken and pat it dry.
- In a small bowl, mix honey and soy sauce to create a glaze.
- Brush the glaze over the chicken for a glossy finish.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces and serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Soy Sauce Chicken
⭐ Use Whole Chicken – Cooking the chicken whole helps retain moisture.
⭐ Low & Slow Cooking – Simmering gently prevents overcooking.
⭐ Rest in the Broth – This step enhances flavor and color.
⭐ Glaze for Shine – A honey-soy glaze gives that signature glossy finish.
Soy Sauce Chicken Variations
🔹 Spicy Soy Sauce Chicken – Add chili oil or Sichuan peppercorns for heat.
🔹 Soy Sauce Chicken Wings – Use chicken wings instead of whole chicken for a snack-size version.
🔹 Crispy Soy Sauce Chicken – After cooking, air-fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes for a crispy skin.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 980mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use chicken thighs instead of whole chicken?
Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work great—adjust cooking time to 25-30 minutes.
❓ What’s the difference between light and dark soy sauce?
- Light soy sauce: Adds flavor and saltiness.
- Dark soy sauce: Gives a deep brown color and a hint of sweetness.
❓ How long can I store leftovers?
Soy Sauce Chicken stays fresh for 3 days in the fridge or up to a month frozen.
Final Thoughts
Soy Sauce Chicken is an easy yet impressive dish packed with rich umami flavors. Whether you serve it with rice or noodles, this juicy, glossy, and flavorful chicken will be a family favorite.
Try this authentic Cantonese recipe today, and bring the flavors of Chinese BBQ to your kitchen! 🍗🥢
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