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🇲🇾 Malaysia · Food

Soy Sauce Chicken

60 min
A great way to spend your free time
🔥 450 kcal
Hearty helping
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Soy Sauce Chicken🇲🇾 MYAI-generated image

A classic Cantonese-Malaysian staple featuring succulent chicken braised in a rich, savory-sweet soy reduction. The meat remains tender while absorbing the deep, aromatic flavors of ginger and garlic.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Marinate 800g of chicken with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and a pinch of salt for 20 minutes.

  • 2

    Heat 3 tbsp oil in a heavy-bottomed wok over medium heat.

  • 3

    Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 50g of sliced ginger, and 3 thinly sliced shallots, sautéing until fragrant and light golden.

  • 4

    Place the marinated chicken into the wok, searing both sides until the skin turns lightly brown for about 5 minutes.

  • 5

    Pour in 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp of oyster sauce, and 200ml of water to cover.

  • 6

    Reduce heat to low, cover the wok, and simmer for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

  • 7

    Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high to reduce the sauce into a thick, glossy glaze.

  • 8

    Stir constantly for 3 minutes to coat the chicken pieces evenly before serving hot over steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Soy Sauce Chicken?+

Soy Sauce Chicken is a Malaysian braised poultry dish made by simmering chicken in a sauce of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and shallots. It is typically served as a main dish during lunch or dinner, often accompanied by steamed rice.

Can I use chicken breast?+

While thigh meat is more authentic and stays juicy, breast can be used; just reduce the simmering time to 15 minutes to avoid dryness.

How do I know the sauce is ready?+

The sauce is perfect when it coats the back of a spoon and turns into a thick, syrupy glaze that clings to the chicken.

What is the role of dark soy sauce?+

Dark soy sauce provides the characteristic rich, mahogany color to the dish; do not substitute it with regular soy sauce.

Can I add vegetables?+

Yes, bok choy or blanched broccoli go exceptionally well as a side to balance the saltiness of the soy.

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