Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, allowing you to enjoy a taste of home-cooked goodness without the fuss. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic broth, and fluffy rice creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Dive into the unique flavors inspired by a popular dish from Kuala Lumpur, and you’ll see why this recipe is worth trying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of garlic, ginger, and soy gives your taste buds a delightful kick.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course or as part of a larger meal with sides.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s both nourishing and delicious.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add extra veggies to suit your taste!
Tools and Preparation
To make Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Frying pan
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Frying pan: This allows for even cooking and perfect caramelisation of the chicken.
- Saucepan: Ideal for simmering the broth and extracting maximum flavor from the ginger and garlic.
- Mixing bowl: Keeps your marinating chicken contained while mixing in flavors.

Ingredients
To create this wonderful dish, gather the following ingredients:
For the Broth
- 10 Fresh Ginger
- 10 Garlic Clove
- 700 Chicken Stock
- 5 Spring Onion
For the Chicken
- 8 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh
- 3 Kecap Manis
- Ground White Pepper
For Cooking
- 30 Neutral Oil
- 1 Sesame Oil
- 2 Toasted Sesame Seed
- 70 Water
For Serving
- 1 Cucumber
- 500 Cooked Rice
- Sambal (to serve)
How to Make Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- Bash the ginger and garlic together using a knife or pestle.
- Transfer to a saucepan along with the chicken stock over medium heat.
- Trim the spring onions; thinly slice the green parts and halve the whites lengthways.
- Add spring onion whites to the stock and let it simmer until hot while preparing other components.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken thighs in a mixing bowl with kecap manis.
- Season with salt and ground white pepper to taste.
- Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté Spring Onions
- Heat neutral oil in a frying pan over high heat.
- Add spring onion greens and sauté until wilted; then transfer them to a bowl.
- Stir in sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds; set aside.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
- Return frying pan to medium-high heat; add marinated chicken thighs.
- Cook for 7-8 minutes until golden brown, caramelized, and charred in spots.
- Pour water into leftover marinade and add it over chicken; cook until reduced into a thick sauce.
Step 5: Prepare Cucumber & Rice
- Trim cucumber ends; thinly slice it and season with salt before serving.
- Reheat cooked rice as per package instructions.
Step 6: Assemble Your Dish
- Share rice among bowls evenly.
- Ladle hot broth over rice, topping with sliced chicken and cucumber slices.
- Drizzle sambal or chili sauce along with sesame spring onion oil for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice!
How to Serve Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Serving Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is a delightful experience that brings together vibrant flavors and textures. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its appeal for any meal.
Bowl Presentation
- Use deep bowls to layer rice at the bottom, followed by the chicken and broth on top. This creates an inviting presentation.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Top your dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and added freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Add a Spicy Kick
- Serve with sambal or chili sauce on the side. This allows guests to customize their spice level, adding excitement to each bowl.
Pair with Cucumber Salad
- A simple cucumber salad drizzled with vinegar adds crunch and balances the richness of the broth and chicken.
How to Perfect Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Perfecting this dish is all about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking.
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Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.
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Control Heat Levels: Cooking on medium-high heat helps achieve that perfect caramelisation without burning the chicken. Keep a close eye during this step.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic provide more robust flavors compared to dried versions. Always opt for fresh when possible.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste your broth before serving. If it needs more depth, consider adding a dash of soy sauce or salt for balance.
Best Side Dishes for Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Complementing your Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is easy with these delicious side dishes, which add variety and enhance your meal experience.
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Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy adds a nutritious green element that pairs well with the richness of the broth.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas stir-fried quickly brings color and crunch to your table.
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Sesame Green Beans: Tossed with sesame oil and seeds, these green beans provide a nutty flavor that complements the main dish beautifully.
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Pickled Radishes: The tangy crunch of pickled radishes contrasts nicely with the soft textures of rice and chicken, enhancing overall taste.
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Garlic Fried Rice: Elevate your rice by frying it with garlic for added flavor, making it an excellent base for soaking up the broth.
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Thai Mango Salad: A fresh mango salad offers sweetness and acidity, balancing out the savory elements in your main dish perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
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Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can lead to dry meat. Aim for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and caramelised.
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Neglecting the Marinade Time: Skipping the marination step can result in bland chicken. Allow it to sit with the kecap manis for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
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Ignoring the Stock Temperature: Adding cold stock can lower cooking temperatures. Ensure your stock is hot before adding ingredients for optimal cooking.
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Using Incorrect Oil: Choosing a strong-flavored oil may overpower the dish. Stick with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for best results.
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Not Seasoning Adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to a lack of flavor in your broth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels as needed during cooking.
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Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale ginger or garlic diminishes flavor. Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste and aroma.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
- Freeze in portioned airtight containers.
- Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this dish:
Can I substitute chicken thighs with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or even turkey if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian option.
What is Kecap Manis?
Kecap Manis is a sweet soy sauce from Indonesia, used here to add depth and sweetness to the marinade.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even overnight for enhanced flavor.
What sides go well with this recipe?
This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas into the broth for extra nutrition and color!
Final Thoughts
Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort. It’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have at hand. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy dinner alone, this recipe offers a blend of flavors and textures that will impress anyone at your table. Try it out and customize it to your taste!
Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice
Caramelised Soy Chicken in Garlic Ginger Broth with Rice is a delightful and comforting dish that perfectly balances rich flavors and satisfying textures. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of soy, garlic, and ginger, all simmered in a fragrant broth. Served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh cucumber, it makes for an ideal weeknight dinner or a special meal for gatherings. With its customizable spice levels and wholesome ingredients, this dish promises to impress your family and friends while being straightforward to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 10 Fresh Ginger
- 10 Garlic Clove
- 700 Chicken Stock
- 5 Spring Onion
- 8 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh
- 3 Kecap Manis
- Ground White Pepper
- 30 Neutral Oil
- 1 Sesame Oil
- 2 Toasted Sesame Seed
- 70 Water
- 1 Cucumber
- 500 Cooked Rice
- Sambal (to serve)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth by crushing ginger and garlic, then simmering with chicken stock and spring onion whites.
- Marinate chicken thighs in kecap manis, salt, and ground white pepper for at least 10 minutes.
- Sauté spring onion greens until wilted; set aside.
- Cook marinated chicken in a frying pan until golden brown, adding water to thicken the sauce.
- Slice cucumber and reheat cooked rice.
- Assemble by layering rice, ladling broth over it, topping with chicken and cucumber slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg



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