Soy Sauce Chicken (a Flavorful Recipe Made With 3 Ingredients!)

Searching for an easy, no-fuss dinner that delivers big flavor? This soy sauce chicken is your answer! I make this on nights I want a home-cooked meal, but don’t feel like cooking. I’ll show you how to make juicy, tender chicken with just 3 ingredients and in less than 20 minutes.

Soy sauce chicken on a white plate with snap peas. - 1

This soy sauce chicken has been a staple in my kitchen for years. It’s the recipe I reach for on nights when my energy is low, but I still want something deeply flavorful. I first made it on one of those evenings when the fridge was nearly empty, the weather was miserable, and I refused to leave the house. With just chicken, soy sauce, and oil, I discovered that you really can make something incredibly savory and satisfying with almost no effort.

It’s almost embarrassing to call this a recipe because it’s that easy, but the flavor says otherwise. The chicken turns out rich, salty, and perfectly seasoned, and it somehow works with just about everything. I’ve served it alongside Greek salad , sliced it over rice, and even tucked it into Thai curry. It’s endlessly versatile, wildly reliable, and made with three ingredients I always seem to have on hand.

Soy sauce chicken in a pan with a spatula lifting a piece. - 2

Looking down on a plate of soy sauce chicken with snap peas. - 3

Recipe variations

I know I said this was a three-ingredient recipe – but I promise adding a 4th ingredient will still be manageable. Whether you want to tweak it so it works well with a side dish you’re serving, or you have some cravings, here are some easy variations:

Garlic soy: Add minced garlic to the marinade for an extra dimension of savory flavor.
Honey soy: Drizzle a tablespoon of honey into the mix for a touch of sweetness.
Spicy soy: For a bit of heat, add half a teaspoon of red chili flakes or a squeeze of sriracha, chili oil, or sambal oelek.
Lemon soy: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice to brighten things up.
Five-spice soy: Sprinkle half a teaspoon of Chinese five-spice in the marinade to enhance the flavor profile—it’ll create more warmth and complexity.

What to serve with soy chicken

This is a very versatile recipe, pairing especially well with Asian-influenced sides such as garlic butter snap peas or sautéed bok choy with garlic .

If you’re feeling hungry, add one of these:

Stovetop Basmati Rice
Extra Crispy Roast Potatoes
Garlic Butter Pasta

Storing soy sauce chicken

Any leftover soy sauce chicken can be easily stored. First, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.

You can also freeze it for up to three months. Make sure it’s in a freezer-proof container. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge the day before you intend to enjoy it. Then, gently reheat it in a skillet, adding a splash of water or soy sauce as needed.