Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering Soy Garlic Glazed Chicken every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and absorb the marinade/glaze more effectively. You can also trim any excess fat if desired.
2. Mince the Aromatics: Finely mince the fresh garlic and ginger. The finer you mince them, the more flavor they will release into the glaze. Fresh garlic and ginger are key to the vibrant flavor of this dish, so avoid using powdered versions if possible.
3. Whisk Together the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the glaze is smooth. This ensures there are no lumps in your final glaze.
4. Cook the Chicken (Pan-Frying Method): Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it. You may need to cook in batches.
5. Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness and food safety. Searing the chicken first adds a depth of flavor and texture to the final dish.
6. Pour in the Glaze: Once the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared soy garlic glaze over the chicken in the skillet.
7. Simmer and Glaze: Let the glaze simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens and coats the chicken beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and the glaze doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan and burn. The glaze will reduce and become sticky as it simmers.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Soy Garlic Glazed Chicken generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy! The sesame seeds and green onions add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Oven Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Then, pour the glaze over the chicken, toss to coat, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and is sticky. Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra caramelization, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Grilling: Grill the chicken thighs over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. In a separate saucepan, simmer the glaze until thickened. Brush the glaze over the grilled chicken during the last few minutes of grilling, or toss the cooked chicken in the glaze before serving. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the glaze beautifully.