Make dinner exciting again with Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken! This recipe mixes the unexpected sweetness of mango soda with soy sauce and spice.
It occurred to me that I should find a way to utilize this mango soda in my meal plan for the week, so I accepted the challenge and grabbed the little guy off the shelf.
I completely lost my mind and decided to marinate some chicken thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, fish sauce, spices, and an entire 12 oz. bottle of mango soda. I figured that it would either be awesome or disgusting, and I was willing to take that chance.
As I’m posting this recipe now, you’ve probably already figured out that it was awesome. It is definitely going on the regular rotation at our house!
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Chicken
- This Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe is incredibly easy to make—just marinate overnight and grill for a fuss-free, delicious meal.
- Besides the mango soda, you only need a few pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and spices to create the rich, complex flavors of this dish.
Recipe Ingredients
- Mango Soda: Sweet, fruity, and slightly fizzy, mango soda adds a unique sweetness and tang.
- Soy Sauce: Salty with umami flavor, soy sauce infuses the chicken with deep, savory flavors.
- Chili Powder: Spicy and earthy, pure chili powder provides a touch of heat and smokiness.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Garnish Options: Add chopped cilantro or green onions for freshness and color. For a zesty tang, add lime wedges. Sprinkle sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. For a spicy kick, add thinly sliced red chili peppers. Pickled vegetables or a cucumber salad also make great, refreshing contrasts.
- Soy Sauce Substitute: Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
How to Make Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken
Step #1: In a large bowl, combine the soda, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic powder, coriander, and chili powder.
Step #2: Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Make sure each piece of chicken is submerged, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Step #3: Remove the chicken from the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
Step #4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (I set mine to 375°F/190°C). When hot, place your chicken thighs on the grill and close the lid.
Step #5: Let them cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through, turning once.
Step #6: Remove from the grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve with rice tossed with cilantro lime and/or marinated onions.
Expert Tips
- Easy Prep for Maximum Flavor: Create your marinade, immerse the chicken, and let it rest in the fridge overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate.
- Pat Chicken Dry Before Grilling: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before grilling. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents excess moisture from steaming the chicken, resulting in a better texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can bake it. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the marinated chicken on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Besides boneless chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts, drumsticks, tenders, or chicken wings. Adjust the cooking time to ensure each part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Storage Info
To store Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken leftovers, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw if frozen, and then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave on medium power in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
More Delicious Recipes that You’ll Love
Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 boneless - skinless chicken thighs
- 1 12- oz. bottle of Mango Soda - Jarritos brand works great
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. ground coriander
- 2 tsp. pure chili powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the soda, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic powder, coriander, and chili powder.
- Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Make sure each piece of chicken is submerged, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove the chicken from the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (I set mine to 375°F/190°C). When hot, place your chicken thighs on the grill and close the lid.
- Let them cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through, turning once.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve with rice tossed with cilantro lime and/or marinated onions.
NOTES
Nutrition
Hi, just to make sure , ” 1 12-oz. bottle ” – does it mean one 12 oz. size bottle of soda or does it mean the amount of soda is little more than one oz ?
It’s one 12-ounce sized bottle!
pics look delicious, i am gonna try it soon. Just need to make sure one thing. ” 1 12-oz ” – does it mean 1 and half oz of mango soda ? or you meant one bottle where the amount of mango soda contained in the bottle is 12 oz ?
It means one (12-ounce size) bottle of soda 🙂
Will it be as good if I bake it? 375F for 20 min?
I haven’t tried it that way, but I bet it would be really good! Let me know how it turns out 🙂
I couldn’t find the mango soda but the pineapple soda. I used that instead and baked at 350F for 20 min. The chicken is good. Next time I’m going to use canned mango nectar.
Oooh, yum, I bet mango nectar would be delicious!
I have seen recipes that use cola and Dr. Pepper with meats and I think your mango soda idea is brilliant. I love the Asian flavors and the mango soda is the perfect addition.
I’ve tried Dr. Pepper with pot roast before and that was awesome, too! Soda really tenderizes meat….plus, I hear it can eat through metal.
As I am reading this, I have some chicken hanging out in my own funny marinade concoction. I just put together a lot of things in a blender and pureed them, but I never would have thought of adding flavored soda! Next time, I swear!!
Awesome! What do you have in your marinade today?
A shallot, some ginger, garlic, soy sauce, some kind of BBQ sauce, mint leaves, cilantro, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili flakes and olive oil!
I tasted the marinade. I could have eaten it straight up. Fingers crossed that the chicken turns out equally good!!
Oh I bet that’s going to turn out awesome! Almost sounds like Korean BBQ 🙂