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Easy Soy Braised Chicken

Recipe by Cheffinwithzach on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.

10 minutes to prep, 35 to cook. A comforting soy‑braised chicken that blends savory adobo flavors with a sweet‑salty glaze. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, it pairs perfectly with fluffy rice and steamed vegetables.

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Easy Soy Braised Chicken by Cheffinwithzach, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F/350°F).

  2. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear until the skin is golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The chicken skin is golden brown. Sear both sides before setting it aside.

  3. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

  4. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and the onion begins to soften, about 2 minutes.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The onion begins to soften and the garlic smells fragrant. Stir so the garlic does not scorch.

  5. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, bay leaf, and black pepper.

  6. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The sauce reaches a gentle simmer.

  7. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Keep the skillet covered during braising.

  8. Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium‑high, and cook an additional 2–3 minutes to reduce the sauce to a glaze, stirring occasionally.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The sauce reduces to a glaze. Stir occasionally as it reduces.

  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove the bay leaf.

  10. Serve the braised chicken hot over steamed rice or with your favorite side.

Tips while you cook

Sear Skin First
Heat the oil and sear the chicken thighs skin side down until golden brown before removing them.
Use Same Skillet for Aromatics
After searing, add sliced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet to pick up browned bits.
Simmer Covered
Cover the skillet, lower the heat, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
Finish by Reducing Glaze
Remove the lid and increase heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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The recipe comes from Cheffinwithzach’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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