Wow … the BEST soy glazed chicken in 20 minutes

Wow … the BEST soy glazed chicken in 20 minutes is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 23 min

Cost: $6.20 total, $3.10 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 Tbsp Corn Starch (for a thin coating)
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Honey
  • ½ tsp Five‑Spice Powder
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil for frying)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken

    Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Coat with Corn Starch

    Add the corn starch to the seasoned chicken and toss until each piece has a thin, even layer. Shake off excess starch before cooking.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Prepare the Glaze

    In a small bowl combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, five‑spice powder, and minced garlic. Stir until honey dissolves.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Fry the Chicken

    Heat vegetable oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat (about 350°F). Add the chicken in a single layer and fry for 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Set Chicken Aside

    Transfer the fried chicken to a clean plate and keep warm.

    Time: PT0.5M

  6. Simmer the Glaze

    Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 30 seconds until slightly thickened.

    Time: PT0.5M

  7. Glaze the Chicken

    Return the chicken to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook on high heat for 1‑2 minutes until the glaze clings and becomes glossy.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: High

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Gluten (soy sauce), Contains meat

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish (oyster sauce), Honey

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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Wow … the BEST soy glazed chicken in 20 minutes

Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS

A quick 20‑minute Chinese‑style soy glazed chicken that’s crispy on the outside and coated in a sweet‑savory glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple pantry staples like soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and five‑spice powder.

EasyChineseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.20
Total cost
$3.10
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Coating the chicken with a thin layer of corn starch.
  • Frying the chicken without overcrowding the pan.
  • Simmering the glaze just long enough to thicken but not burn.
  • Tossing the chicken in the hot glaze for a glossy finish.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby and avoid adding wet chicken to the pan.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of soy glazed chicken in Chinese cuisine?

A

Soy glazed chicken is a modern home‑cooking adaptation of classic Cantonese stir‑fry techniques where soy‑based sauces are used to create a glossy, sweet‑savory coating. It reflects the Chinese love for balancing umami, sweetness, and aromatic spices in quick weeknight dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of soy glazed chicken in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Guangdong (Cantonese) cooking, the glaze often includes Shaoxing wine and a touch of sugar, while Sichuan versions may add chili oil for heat. Northern Chinese recipes might use a thicker wheat‑flour slurry instead of corn starch.

cultural
Q

How is soy glazed chicken traditionally served in China?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, over steamed white rice or alongside stir‑fried vegetables. The dish is meant to be eaten immediately to enjoy the crisp coating and glossy sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is soy glazed chicken associated with in Chinese culture?

A

While not tied to a specific festival, soy‑based glazed meats are popular during family gatherings and Lunar New Year meals because the glossy appearance symbolizes prosperity and the sweet flavor represents good fortune.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with soy glazed chicken from the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS?

A

Pair it with TIFFYCOOKS’ quick garlic bok choy, steamed jasmine rice, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making soy glazed chicken from TIFFYCOOKS?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than fries the chicken, and over‑cooking the glaze, which can turn bitter. Also, using too much corn starch creates a gummy coating.

technical
Q

Why does the TIFFYCOOKS soy glazed chicken recipe use corn starch instead of flour for the coating?

A

Corn starch creates a lighter, crisper crust and dissolves quickly, allowing the glaze to cling without becoming pasty. Flour would absorb more oil and make the coating heavier.

technical
Q

Can I make the soy glazed chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the glaze and coat the chicken up to 12 hours ahead. Store the coated chicken in the refrigerator, then fry and glaze just before serving to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the soy glazed chicken is done?

A

The chicken should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp on the outside, while the glaze should be glossy, clinging to each piece without pooling. The interior should be fully cooked but still juicy.

technical
Q

How do I know when the soy glaze is done cooking in the TIFFYCOOKS recipe?

A

The glaze is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and becomes slightly syrupy after about 30 seconds of simmering. It should not bubble vigorously or turn dark.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specializes in fast, approachable Asian‑inspired home cooking, focusing on 20‑minute meals that use everyday ingredients and simple techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS' approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

TIFFYCOOKS emphasizes ultra‑quick preparation, minimal equipment, and clear step‑by‑step narration, whereas many other Chinese cooking channels often showcase more elaborate, traditional techniques and longer cooking times.

channel

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