Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai)
By Sho @ Hungry for Thai
on
Jan 6th 2025
Updated: Apr 15th 2025
"Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai)" is a dish inspired by "Cantonese-style boiled chicken", adapted to suit the flavors preferred by Thais. It is commonly enjoyed as a main dish, paired with steamed rice, or served with a flavorful and spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
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Table of Contents
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 oven, air fryer, 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)
- Place the chicken in a pot (no heat yet).
- Add garlic, coriander roots, ginger, black pepper.
- Add coconut sugar, light soy sauce, and sweet dark soy sauce.
- Pour in enough water to fully cover the chicken.
- Rinse dried shiitake mushrooms and add them to the pot (optional).
- Cook over medium-low heat. Skim off any foam that rises.
- Simmer until the chicken is tender and deep brown. Serve warm.
Dipping Sauce
- Pound bird’s eye chili, garlic, and coriander in a mortar and pestle.
- Add coconut sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and 2 tbsp of chicken broth.
- 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!
FAQs
Yes, but it may not be as juicy. Thighs are best for long simmering.
Up to 2–3 days in the fridge. The flavor deepens over time!
For this dish, if you’re preparing it for festive gatherings or celebrations, you can use a whole chicken.
It’s a dish that can be enjoyed year-round and is perfect for any occasion.
Soy Sauce Chicken (See Yao Gai)
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
40 minutes
Serves
2
Ingredients
-
Main dish
-
Dipping Sauce
Steps
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Cooking Soy Sauce Chicken:
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Place the chicken thighs with drumsticks attached in a pot without turning on the heat yet.
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Add mashed garlic, mashed coriander roots, ginger slices, and crushed black pepper.
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Add the coconut sugar, light soy sauce, and sweet dark soy sauce.
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Pour water into the pot until it fully covers the chicken.
-
Before adding dried shiitake mushrooms, please rinse them a couple of times to reduce any residues or dirt from the mushrooms.
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Cook over medium-low heat. While simmering, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Simmer until the chicken becomes tender and develops a rich, brown color. Serve warm.
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Dipping Sauce:
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Pound the bird’s eye chili, garlic, and coriander together in a mortar and pestle until well mixed.
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Season with coconut sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of the chicken broth from the cooking pot.
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Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
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Nutritional info
% of daily valueCalorie Breakdown
Protein
332 cal
Fat
592 cal
Carbs
370 cal
Tips
🔥 Adjust the heat in the dipping sauce to your liking.
🍗 Use bone-in chicken for the best flavor and tenderness.
🧊 Freeze leftover broth—it makes a great base for noodle soups!
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