Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai)

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Jan 6th 2025 Updated: Aug 13th 2025

Soy Sauce Chicken (Easy, Flavor-Packed Recipe!)

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.

Soy Sauce Chicken is a classic dish that brings bold, savory flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Whether you’re using chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings, this rich and aromatic soy sauce marinade works magic on every cut. 🧄🍗

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and you can make it in the Pressure Cooker or even the Instant Pot!

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) – Bring Chinatown Flavor to Your Kitchen

If you’ve ever wandered through a bustling Chinatown, you’ve likely seen those glossy, golden-brown chickens hanging proudly in shop windows.

That’s the irresistible charm of soy sauce chicken—a beloved Chinese classic known for its rich, savory flavor, fragrant aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

In this soy sauce chicken recipe, juicy chicken is gently braised in a flavorful marinade made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness.

The result? Perfectly seasoned meat, glistening skin, and deep, aromatic flavors that make every bite irresistible.

This easy soy sauce chicken works beautifully with any cut—soy sauce chicken wings, thighs, drumsticks, or breast—so you can make it your way.

For a fun twist, try honey soy sauce chicken or honey garlic soy sauce chicken, which add a subtle sweetness to the savory base and pair wonderfully with rice or noodles.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this dish is with soy sauce chicken noodles.

The noodles soak up all that flavorful braising liquid, turning a simple bowl into a comforting, satisfying meal.

If you’re short on time, you can also make instant pot soy sauce chicken or pressure cooker soy sauce chicken, both of which lock in flavor and tenderness in a fraction of the time.

The beauty of Chinese soy sauce chicken lies in its versatility.

Serve it as the star of your dinner table, slice it for sandwiches or salads, or turn leftovers into a quick stir-fry.

The combination of soy, aromatics, and just the right amount of sweetness makes it a dish the whole family will love.

My Thai Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai) recipe takes inspiration from Thai-Chinese flavors

Simmering the chicken in a rich soy sauce broth until it’s tender and juicy, then serving it with a spicy Thai dipping sauce made from bird’s eye chilies, lime juice, and a splash of the chicken broth.

It’s comfort food with a bold twist—perfect with steamed rice or noodle for a hearty, satisfying meal.

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

Slow cookers work beautifully for Asian-style dishes too — like my Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai). 

The longer you let it cook, the deeper and richer the flavors become, making every bite tender and satisfying. 

If you’re a slow cooker fan, you’ll love this cozy and flavorful slow cooker chicken and rice.

It’s comforting, easy to prep, and perfect for busy days.