Chicken Recipes
Braised Chicken Thighs with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccoli
Tender pan-seared chicken thighs are braised in a sweet-savory soy and honey sauce, then served over steamed rice with broccoli and fresh cherry tomatoes. This colorful one-bowl meal is flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Total
- 45 minutes
Quick Recipe Summary
- Cuisine
- Chinese
- Category
- Chicken Recipes
- Method
- Steaming
- Total Time
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Main Ingredient
- Chicken Thighs
About This Recipe
Tender pan-seared chicken thighs are braised in a sweet-savory soy and honey sauce, then served over steamed rice with broccoli and fresh cherry tomatoes. This colorful one-bowl meal is flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Uses a steady cooking method that helps the ingredients absorb flavor gradually.
- Beginner-friendly enough for cooks who are still building confidence in the kitchen.
- Good for learning how seasoning and simmering build flavor over time.
- Shows a practical way to cook chicken with clear preparation and cooking cues.
- Gives the dish a clear savory and sweet flavor profile without making the method feel complicated.
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Thighs
- As needed Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/2 head Broccoli
- 1 bowl Cooked Rice
- 4 tbsp Sake
- 1 tbsp Braised Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 3 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- To taste Salt
- As needed Water
Ingredient Notes
These notes explain the role of the main ingredients so the recipe is easier to adjust.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken adapts well to quick stir-fries, steaming, soups, and soy-based braises.
Cherry Tomatoes
This ingredient helps define the flavor, texture, or structure of the dish.
head Broccoli
This ingredient helps define the flavor, texture, or structure of the dish.
bowl Cooked Rice
This ingredient helps define the flavor, texture, or structure of the dish.
Ingredients & Techniques Used in This Recipe
These guides explain the key sauces, ingredients, and cooking techniques used in this recipe, so you can understand the dish instead of only following steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the chicken thighs and carefully remove the bones.
Step 2
Place the chicken in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon sake, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 3
Prepare the braising sauce by combining 3 tablespoons sake, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon braised soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, a little salt, and some water. Stir until well blended.
Step 4
Cut the broccoli into florets and blanch in salted boiling water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 5
Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown.
Step 6
Flip and cook the other side until lightly browned.
Step 7
Pour the prepared braising sauce into the pan. Season with black pepper if desired.
Step 8
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently, turning the chicken occasionally, until fully cooked and glazed.
Step 9
Leave a small amount of sauce in the pan. Slice the chicken and serve over rice with broccoli and cherry tomatoes. Spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken.
Step 10
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Cooking Tips
- Braised soy sauce adds both color and depth of flavor. If unavailable, substitute with 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce. Avoid reducing the sauce completely; the remaining glaze is perfect for drizzling over the sliced chicken and rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it with steamed rice when you want a simple Chinese home-cooked meal.
- Serve with rice to catch the sauce, plus a crisp vegetable dish for balance.
- Leftovers often reheat well; add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Recipe Card
Tender pan-seared chicken thighs are braised in a sweet-savory soy and honey sauce, then served over steamed rice with broccoli and fresh cherry tomatoes. This colorful one-bowl meal is flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Thighs
- As needed Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/2 head Broccoli
- 1 bowl Cooked Rice
- 4 tbsp Sake
- 1 tbsp Braised Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 3 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- To taste Salt
- As needed Water
Method
- Rinse the chicken thighs and carefully remove the bones.
- Place the chicken in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon sake, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the braising sauce by combining 3 tablespoons sake, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon braised soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, a little salt, and some water. Stir until well blended.
- Cut the broccoli into florets and blanch in salted boiling water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown.
- Flip and cook the other side until lightly browned.
- Pour the prepared braising sauce into the pan. Season with black pepper if desired.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently, turning the chicken occasionally, until fully cooked and glazed.
- Leave a small amount of sauce in the pan. Slice the chicken and serve over rice with broccoli and cherry tomatoes. Spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
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