Description
These Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs are crispy, sticky, and bursting with Korean-inspired flavor. Cooked to perfection in an air fryer or pan-fried for a golden finish, they’re tossed in a glossy soy garlic sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout at home!
Ingredients
Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp potato starch
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Neutral oil (for pan frying or spraying if air frying)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions (white and green parts separated)
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Sauce:
½ cup chicken stock (or water + ½ tsp chicken bouillon)
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
Garnish:
Sliced green onions (green tops)
Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix chicken stock, honey, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Prep Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Mix potato starch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on a plate. Dredge chicken until lightly coated.
Cook Chicken (Pan-Fry): Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
OR Cook Chicken (Air Fryer): Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray chicken with oil and cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan (or clean pan), add garlic, the white parts of green onion, and chili flakes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add Sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce. Stir until thickened, about 1 minute.
Glaze Chicken: Return chicken to the pan and toss in sauce until evenly coated and glossy.
Garnish & Serve: Top with green onion and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice and veggies.
Notes
Potato starch gives the chicken an ultra-crispy texture—don’t skip it if you want that perfect crunch.
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Control the spice level by adjusting or omitting the red chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer / Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (with rice & garnish)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg