Name: 50 minutes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups jasmine rice; 4 cups water; Chopped green onions; Fresh cilantro

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 13 reviews

Prepare to swoon over a bowl of unbelievably cozy comfort food: Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice. This heartwarming dish transforms pantry staples into something magical, marrying golden seared chicken, deep savory notes from soy, and a broth that’s rich with garlic and ginger. The fragrance that envelops your kitchen as the chicken simmers is honestly half the fun, and in just 50 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like you’ve spent all day making it. If you love uncomplicated yet utterly satisfying recipes, this is bound to become your weeknight favorite—an absolute must-try for anyone who craves soul-soothing flavors in under an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a quick peek at what you need to whip up this incredible chicken-and-rice bowl. Each ingredient, while simple, plays a key role in building complex, crave-worthy flavor. Gather these basics and you’re only 50 minutes away from satisfaction.

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add unbeatable juiciness and flavor while developing that signature crispy golden skin.
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil that’s perfect for searing the chicken without overpowering the dish.
Soy Sauce: This is where the deep, umami backbone of the broth begins—choose a good-quality soy for the richest caramelization.
Brown Sugar: It helps balance the saltiness of the soy and brings out the gorgeous caramelized notes on the chicken skin.
Ginger: Freshly minced for a zippy, warming lift throughout the broth (the aroma is everything!).
Garlic: Four cloves for bold, aromatic rounds of flavor—don’t skimp!
Chicken Broth: Adds plenty of depth and ensures your chicken stays moist and the broth becomes slurp-worthy.
Sesame Oil: Just a touch at the end locks in a delicate nuttiness and irresistible sheen.
Cornstarch (optional): A little slurry thickens the broth if you love a heartier pour for your rice bowls.
Salt and Pepper: For dialing in the final seasoning just to your taste.
Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it’s the perfect canvas for sopping up every last drop of broth.
Water: Essential for perfectly steamed rice—use filtered or spring water if you have it!
Chopped Green Onions: Bright pop of color and freshness for garnish.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds that herby finish and gorgeous green flecks on top.

How to Make 50 minutes

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs totally dry—this gives you that irresistible crispy skin! Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper on both sides; it’s the first building block of flavor. Prepping the chicken well makes everything that follows even more delicious.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Grab your largest deep skillet or a sturdy pot and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it to be shimmering but not smoking. A hot pan is what guarantees that golden crust on the chicken, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Lay your seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down right in the hot oil. Now, resist the urge to poke or flip—for 5 to 7 minutes, let them cook untouched so the skin forms a deep, savory crust. That’s future flavor and texture, all under 50 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Once the chicken is beautifully golden, flip each thigh carefully. Immediately add your soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger around the chicken. Stir gently, letting those aromatics release their fragrance and the sauce coat the meat.

Step 5: Add Chicken Broth

Pour the chicken broth into the pan, nestling it around the chicken so each piece is mostly submerged. Watch as the broth takes on a rich, dark color and brings all the flavors together—a kitchen miracle that only takes about 50 minutes from start to finish.

Step 6: Simmer

Turn the heat down to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes. The chicken will soak in all those garlicky, gingery juices, becoming unbelievably tender. Give it a peek or two, but let it do its thing!

Step 7: Cook the Rice

While the chicken is simmering, rinse your jasmine rice under cold water. This washes away extra starch and ensures your rice turns out fluffy and perfect, every time.

Step 8: Prepare the Rice

In a separate pot, combine your rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 15–20 minutes, and you’re rewarded with pillowy mounds of rice—all ready by the 50 minutes mark.

Step 9: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

Prefer a more luscious broth? Stir the cornstarch in a splash of water until smooth, then swirl it into the simmering pot. Give it 2–3 minutes to work its magic, and you’ll have a broth that clings beautifully to every grain of rice.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

When the chicken is cooked through, let it rest briefly before slicing. Serve it over generous scoops of rice, spoon over ladlefuls of garlic ginger broth, and finish with a heap of green onions and cilantro. In just 50 minutes, you’ve crafted a bowl that will make anyone feel cared for!

How to Serve 50 minutes

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches—they lift everything! A flurry of fresh chopped green onions and cilantro adds welcome color and zing, while a tiny drizzle of extra sesame oil can really amplify those cozy, nutty notes. Let your bowl sing with freshness and aroma, making every mouthful of this 50 minutes meal memorable.

Side Dishes

Although this Caramelised Soy Chicken is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with quick steamed greens like bok choy or snap peas. A crisp cucumber salad or a few pickled veggies offer lovely contrast and crunch, rounding out your 50 minutes feast without extra fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into an interactive event by serving this dish deconstructed: offer a platter of sliced chicken, a pot of brothy rice, bowls of toppings, and let everyone build their own. Or, for a simple yet striking presentation, mound rice in deep bowls, lean the glazed chicken over it, ladle on extra broth, and let those garnishes pop. Either way, your guests will never guess this comfort classic came together in just 50 minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the chicken and broth cool before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delightful! Keep rice separate if you can, so it doesn’t soak up too much liquid.

Freezing

Yes, this dish freezes brilliantly! Simply freeze the chicken and broth together in portions, and the cooked rice separately. When you’re ready for a repeat performance, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a nearly-instant bowl of comfort.

Reheating

To reheat, simmer the chicken and broth gently on the stovetop until hot, or microwave with a splash of added broth. Steam or microwave the rice until fluffy again. If the broth has thickened in the fridge, add a bit of water or chicken stock and stir well.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so start checking them for doneness after about 15 minutes of simmering. Chicken breasts also work, but try not to overcook them so they stay juicy.

What type of soy sauce should I use?

A regular all-purpose soy sauce is ideal here, but if you prefer a less salty or gluten-free alternative, low-sodium or tamari are great substitutes. Whichever you choose, the star flavors will still shine through!

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

You can! Try using extra-firm tofu in place of chicken, sear the cubes until golden, and swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth. The rest of the flavors (hello, garlic and ginger!) still come together in the same nourishing way.

What’s the best way to get crispy chicken skin?

Pat the skin thoroughly dry and make sure your pan and oil are hot before adding the chicken. Don’t move the chicken around while it sears, and give it enough time to crisp up beautifully—this first step is where the magic (and your 50 minutes payoff) begins!

How can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to nestle sliced carrots, baby bok choy, or shiitake mushrooms into the broth during simmering. They’ll soak up tons of flavor and bulk up the meal, making it even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Give this Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice a go—you’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor created in just 50 minutes. Every spoonful is warming, fragrant, and full of love. Try it this week, and make comfort food memories in less than an hour!