Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out the authentic flavours without complicating the process. When I’m cooking at home, I always lean towards fresh garlic and ginger, and good-quality soy sauce—these simple staples elevate the dish beautifully. Using bone-in chicken thighs adds extra richness and tenderness, but you can opt for boneless if you’re short on time.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 spring onions, sliced (optional garnish)
- Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Fresh lime wedges for serving (optional)
If you want to swap out the chicken, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts work well, though cooking times will vary. For a gluten-free option, choose tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season lightly with salt. Place them skin-side down in the pan and cook until the skin is golden and caramelised, about 6-8 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir gently until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the brown sugar and soy sauce to the pan, stirring to combine and dissolve the sugar into a sticky glaze.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up, and cover with a lid. Let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- While the broth simmers, prepare the rice according to package instructions. I like jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma that pairs beautifully with the broth.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the broth and let it rest for a few minutes. If you want a thicker broth, increase the heat and reduce it slightly, stirring occasionally.
- To serve, place a scoop of rice in bowls, top with the chicken, and ladle over the garlic ginger broth. Garnish with sliced spring onions, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
