Braised Soy Sauce Chicken
A savory braised chicken dish simmered in soy sauce, ginger, and rice wine, offering rich flavors perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a pan large enough to hold all chicken, bring to a boil the water, soy sauce, wine, ginger root, and sesame seed oil, then add chicken.
- Ensure the sauce reaches half the height of the chicken.
- Reduce heat to moderate and cook for 20 minutes.
- Turn the chicken over and stir in the sugar.
- Simmer for 20 minutes longer.
- Turn off the heat and let sit for 2 to 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly. You can substitute the Chinese rice wine with dry sherry or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version. Fresh ginger is essential for authenticity, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Braised Soy Sauce Chicken with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Pair it with sautéed Green Beans Oriental or a side of Chow Mein Or Chop Suey for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water or soy sauce to prevent drying out. It can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Soy Sauce Chicken contains roughly 151 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2138mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller pieces will require less time to cook through.
What can I do if the sauce is too salty?
If the sauce turns out too salty, you can dilute it by adding a little water or broth. Adding a small amount of sugar can also help balance the flavors.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just follow the recipe and store it in the fridge after cooling, then reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).