Soy Sauce Braised Chicken

Soy Sauce-Braised Chicken is a popular dish often seen in Chinese restaurants.  It is typically prepared with a whole chicken. However, this easy recipe uses chicken legs, which are budget-friendly, easier to handle, and just as delicious.  Let’s create this flavorful dish right in your kitchen!  Enjoy your homemade Soy Sauce-Braised Chicken—simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 2 chicken legs

Ingredient For Cooking:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp minced garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 cup coconut water

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Chicken:

·         Debone the chicken legs if desired, then wash and pat dry.

2.    Searing the Chicken:

·         Heat vegetable oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Place the chicken legs skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden brown.  Flip and cook the other side briefly.  Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3.    Cooking the Sauce Base:

·         In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant.

·         Add sugar, cooking wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, five-spice powder, and coconut water.  Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

4.    Simmering the Chicken:

·         Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side down.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure it absorbs the sauce evenly.

5.    Preparing the Sauce:

·         Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm.

·         Add a splash of water to the pan and bring the sauce to a boil. If desired, strain the sauce to remove solids.

6.    Serving:

·         Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and drizzle the sauce over the top.

·         Serve with steamed rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.