Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai)

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Jan 6th 2025 Updated: Apr 15th 2025

This dish stands out for its tender chicken, infused with the rich aroma of soy sauce, enhanced by a hint of sweetness and complemented by a tangy, spicy dipping sauce in Thai style.

It’s a meal that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages.

What you'll need

• Chicken thighs with drumsticks attached: Provides tender and juicy meat for the dish, perfect for absorbing the flavors of the broth.
• Coriander roots: Adds an earthy and aromatic base note typical of Thai and Chinese cooking.
• Garlic: Milder and less pungent than regular garlic, enhancing the dish with a subtle garlic flavor.
• Black pepper: Adds warmth and a gentle spicy kick to the dish.
• Coconut sugar: Brings a natural sweetness with caramel undertones, balancing the salty flavors.
• Light soy sauce: Contributes a salty and savory flavor to form the base of the seasoning.
• Sweet dark soy sauce: Adds depth, a touch of sweetness, and a rich brown color to the dish.
• Water: Used as the cooking medium to create a flavorful broth.
• Ginger: Infuses the dish with a warm and slightly spicy aroma.
• Dried shiitake mushrooms (optional): Adds an umami-rich flavor and a chewy texture if included.

Why You’ll Love This Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai) Recipe 🩷

🧄 Authentic Thai-Chinese flavors – a nostalgic comfort dish in many Thai homes.

🥢 Simple ingredients, bold taste – pantry staples transformed into a deep, savory broth.

🍗 So juicy and tender – the chicken literally falls off the bone.

🍛 Perfect with rice – and even better with the spicy dipping sauce!

How to Cook Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai)

1. Place the chicken in a pot (no heat yet).
2. Add garlic, coriander roots, ginger, black pepper.
3. Add coconut sugar, light soy sauce, and sweet dark soy sauce.
4. Pour in enough water to fully cover the chicken.
5. Rinse dried shiitake mushrooms and add them to the pot (optional).
6. Cook over medium-low heat. Skim off any foam that rises.
7. Simmer until the chicken is tender and deep brown. Serve warm.

Dipping Sauce

1. Pound bird’s eye chili, garlic, and coriander in a mortar and pestle.
2. Add coconut sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and 2 tbsp of chicken broth.
3. Mix well. Taste and adjust as needed.

What to Serve With

Looking for the perfect sides to round out your meal? Here are some tasty ideas:

🥗 Starter: Cucumber Salad (refreshing and cooling with chili heat)

🥩 Main Course: Green Curry Chicken

🍛 Side Dish: Steamed Jasmine Rice or Fried Rice

🍰 Dessert: Thai Coconut Balls (Khanom Tom) or Mango Sticky Rice

Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai) is juicy, tender chicken simmered in a rich soy sauce broth with bold Thai-Chinese flavors.

This is comfort food at its best!

The result is tender, flavorful chicken with a deep brown color that’s perfect with steamed rice.

This easy see yao gai recipe also includes a spicy Thai dipping sauce made with bird’s eye chilies, lime juice, and a touch of the chicken broth.

If you love simple, bold flavors, this Thai soy sauce chicken is a must-try!