Soy Ginger Glazed Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Asian

Savory soy ginger glazed chicken drumsticks offer a perfect blend of salty, spicy, and sweet flavors, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 lb. chicken drumsticks or parts
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (light)
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

Instructions

  1. Rinse chicken and remove skin.
  2. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil and add soy sauce, dry sherry or chicken broth, ginger, garlic, and red pepper.
  4. Add chicken to the skillet and reduce heat to low.
  5. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove cover and cook over high heat, turning frequently, until the liquid turns thick and syrupy and the chicken is coated with a brown glaze.
  7. Continue cooking until the chicken is done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. If you don't have dry sherry, chicken broth works as a great substitute. Fresh ginger adds a vibrant taste, but powdered ginger can be used in a pinch. Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference, or omit it entirely for a milder dish. This dish goes well with rice or steamed vegetables, similar to Pepper Turkey Skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Soy Ginger Glazed Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful glaze. Pair it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This dish also works well with a side of stir-fried vegetables, making it a great option for a family dinner. For more delicious chicken recipes, explore the options available on your favorite recipe site.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken again, as it can become tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Soy Ginger Glazed Chicken contains roughly 171 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1554mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).

171 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.5g 11% DV
Total Fat 6.2g 8% DV
Carbs 24.7g 9% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 3.2g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1553.7mg 68% DV
Potassium 327.6mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 56.9mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 42.7mg 47% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 26.2mg 2% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Soy

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 chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts for this recipe, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster. Be sure to monitor the chicken closely to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dryness.

What if I don’t have soy sauce?

If you don't have soy sauce, you can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option or use coconut aminos for a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that this may alter the final taste of the dish slightly.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, simply omit the cayenne pepper altogether, or use a smaller amount to suit your taste. The other ingredients will still provide plenty of flavor without the heat.

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).

Chicken recipes → All recipes →