A healing, soul-satisfying comfort bowl from my kitchen to yours
When I was 24 and living in a crumbling expat flat in Penang, Malaysia, I discovered a hawker stall that sold the most unforgettable soy-glazed chicken. The vendor, a woman named Aunty Bee, served it with garlic broth so fragrant you could smell it two streets away. That bowl wrapped itself around my tired bones after long kitchen shifts—and inspired this version that now heals my own kids on sick days or busy weeknights.
Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is a dish I reach for when I want warmth, nourishment, and that savory hit that hits you right in the memory. It’s not traditional Hainanese, nor is it strictly Malaysian. It’s mine. It’s yours now, too.
What is Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
This is a chicken dish simmered in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until the meat is glazed and tender. It’s paired with a light, savory broth and served over rice for that full comfort meal. The broth has deep roots in Asian home cooking, and this version uses halal ingredients with beef bacon instead of pork.
Why You’ll Love This Caramelised Soy Chicken
- It’s naturally comforting—like a hug in a bowl.
- Easy to prepare in one pot.
- Feels like a cheat meal, but it’s full of wholesome ingredients.
- Easily adaptable for kids, spice lovers, and even vegans with swaps.
Tips for Making the Best Soy Chicken Broth
- Use boneless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness.
- Don’t skip the garlic and ginger simmering step. It’s the foundation of the broth.
- If you can’t find kecap manis, mix dark soy with honey.
- Add veggies like pak choi or snap peas at the end for crunch and color.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Fine mesh strainer (for broth, optional)
- Rice cooker or small saucepan
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1-inch ginger, sliced thin
- 500 ml chicken broth (use low-sodium or homemade)
- 2 spring onions (whites and greens separated)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: red chili flakes, pak choi, radish, or beef bacon bits
How to Make Caramelised Soy Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken
Heat oil in your pot. Sear the chicken thighs skin side down (if using skin-on) until caramelized, about 5 minutes per side. - Build the Broth
Remove chicken. In the same pot, add garlic, ginger, and spring onion whites. Cook until fragrant, then pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer. - Return Chicken to Broth
Nestle the chicken back in. Add soy sauce and honey. Simmer uncovered 20–25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and the broth is infused. - Prepare Garnish
In a small pan, heat sesame oil. Add spring onion greens and a pinch of chili flakes if desired. Sauté gently for a fragrant topping. - Serve
Spoon rice into bowls. Ladle broth and chicken over it. Top with sesame scallions, beef bacon bits (if using), and fresh veg like pak choi or thin radish slices.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Dish
- Want more glaze? Let the broth reduce further at the end.
- Need more kick? Add a drizzle of chili crisp or sambal on top.
- Vegan swap: Use tofu or tempeh, and vegetable broth.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store rice, broth, and chicken separately for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze broth and chicken together for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen.
FAQs
Is this gluten-free?
It can be—use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check broth ingredients.
What rice is best?
Jasmine or short-grain white rice absorb broth beautifully.
Can I cook this in advance?
Yes! In fact, the broth gets better after a night in the fridge.
Conclusion
Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is one of those dishes that stays in your soul. It’s humble. It’s bold. It’s everything good in a bowl. From my kitchen to yours—this one’s a keeper.
Print
Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is the ultimate comfort dish—savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. Made with halal ingredients and served over rice, it’s a warm, wholesome meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 500 ml chicken broth
- 2 spring onions, whites and greens separated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: beef bacon bits, pak choi, radish, chili flakes
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot and sear chicken thighs until browned on both sides.
- Remove chicken. Sauté garlic, ginger, and spring onion whites in the same pot.
- Pour in chicken broth, add soy sauce and honey. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the broth and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- In a small pan, sauté spring onion greens with sesame oil and chili flakes.
- Serve broth and chicken over rice. Top with scallions and optional garnishes.
Notes
Make extra broth to freeze—it gets even more flavorful the next day. Swap rice for noodles for a variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: caramelised soy chicken, garlic ginger broth, halal chicken rice, Asian chicken recipe, comfort food
