Garlic Butter Soy Chicken Thighs
Garlic Butter Soy Chicken Thighs is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 4. 280 calories per serving. Recipe by Ian Fujimoto on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 21 min | Total: 46 min
Cost: $7.53 total, $1.88 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken thighs, bone‑in, skin‑on (Trim excess fat; about 4‑5 thighs)
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce (Low‑sodium preferred)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (Cut into pieces for quick melting)
- 1 tbsp Honey (Adds a subtle sweetness)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp White pepper
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic cloves (Minced)
- 4 stalks Green onions (Separate whites from greens; whites minced, greens sliced for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (or canola oil) (High smoke‑point oil for searing)
Instructions
Prep aromatics
Trim the green onions, separating the white parts from the green tops. Roughly chop the white parts and slice the greens for garnish. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
Time: PT10M
Season the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, white pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit while the pan heats.
Time: PT5M
Sear the chicken
Heat the skillet over high heat until a drop of water sizzles and evaporates. Add the vegetable oil, swirling to coat. Place the thighs skin‑side down and sear without moving for 4‑5 minutes until the skin is deep golden‑brown and releases easily. Flip and sear the other side 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: High heat (≈400°F)
Rest the chicken
Transfer the seared thighs to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.
Time: PT2M
Sauté aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and the chopped white parts of the green onions to the same skillet. Stir constantly for 1‑2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat (≈350°F)
Create the glaze
Pour in the soy sauce, add the butter pieces, and drizzle the honey. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture bubbles. Let it reduce for 3‑4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat (≈375°F)
Finish the chicken in the glaze
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up. Spoon the glaze over the meat and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and nicely glazed.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat (≈350°F)
Plate and garnish
Transfer the thighs to a serving platter, drizzle any remaining sauce over the top, and sprinkle the sliced green onion greens for color and freshness.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 280
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 9 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Low‑carb, Gluten‑free (if using tamari)
Allergens: Dairy, Soy, Honey
Last updated: April 7, 2026






