Soy Sauce Roasted Chicken Recipe

OMG, this honey soy roasted chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer! Roasting a whole chicken with a kick of ginger and garlic, then topping it with a heavenly glaze and vibrant garnishes, is the stress-free gourmet experience every millennial needs in their cooking repertoire.

I love the savory and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly infuses this Soy Sauce Roasted Chicken. By marinating the chicken with soy sauce and honey, enriched with sesame oil, garlic, and fresh ginger, we achieve a deliciously caramelized skin.

The dish’s nutritional profile is enhanced with protein, while garlic and ginger add antioxidant benefits.

Soy Sauce Roasted Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, with savory depth.
• Honey: Imparts sweetness and aids in caramelization.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty flavor and aromatic richness.
• Garlic: Infuses dish with robust, aromatic taste.
• Ginger: Fresh, zesty spice that adds warmth.

Soy Sauce Roasted Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make this Soy Sauce Roasted Chicken Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Mix well to create the marinade.

3. Place the whole chicken in a large baking dish. Ensure it’s clean and dry before pouring the marinade all over it. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.

4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours for more flavor.

5. Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and roast for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 15 minutes for extra flavor and moisture.

6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

7. Meanwhile, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil.

8. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the boiling marinade, stirring continuously until it thickens into a glaze.

9. Carve the roasted chicken and drizzle the thickened glaze over the pieces.

10. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Soy Sauce Roasted Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large bowl
3. Large baking dish
4. Small saucepan
5. Small bowl
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Grater
10. Tongs or a basting brush
11. Meat thermometer
12. Whisk or spoon for mixing
13. Ladle or spoon for drizzling glaze

FAQ

• Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe instead of a whole chicken?
  A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pieces will cook faster.
• Q: Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
  A: You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Q: Can the chili flakes be omitted?
  A: Yes, the chili flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish.
• Q: How do I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?
  A: Pat the chicken skin dry before applying the marinade, and ensure the oven is preheated to a high temperature. This will help achieve crispier skin.
• Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
  A: Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors significantly.
• Q: What is the purpose of the cornstarch and water mixture?
  A: The cornstarch mixed with water creates a slurry that thickens the marinade into a sauce for serving.
• Q: What sides pair well with soy sauce roasted chicken?
  A: Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad are excellent side dishes for this dish.

Soy Sauce Roasted Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Whole chicken: Substitute with chicken thighs or drumsticks for a quicker cooking time while maintaining a rich flavor.
• Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative.
• Honey: Swap with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different type of sweetness.
• Sesame oil: Replace with olive oil or avocado oil for a more neutral flavor.
• Rice vinegar: Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tanginess.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Marination If you have the time, marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate it. This extended marination allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

2. Ensure Crispy Skin For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the marinade. You can also increase the heat to 425°F (220°C) during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

3. Even Cooking To ensure even cooking, consider trussing the chicken before roasting. This involves tying the legs together and tucking the wings under, promoting even browning and cooking.

4. Use a Meat Thermometer To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and stays juicy.

5. Customize the Glaze After using the basic glaze recipe, add a splash of citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, for a bright, tangy finish. This enhances the overall flavor and provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the honey.