A simple weeknight dinner, this One Pan Soy Chicken and Vegetables is ready in less than 30 minutes and is a dish your whole family will love.
I can pretty much get behind any meal that is cooked entirely on one sheet pan, as I'm sure you can, too. It means fewer dishes to get out and fewer dishes to put away, and most importantly, it means easy cleanup! Any time I can spend away from the kitchen sink is time I am happy to get back. Let's face it though, it basically means more Netflix, if we're being honest.
For this edition of one-pan stir fry, I decided to add a twist. This time, I've combined tons of veggies and juicy chicken thighs with a light stir-fry sauce which includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. It also has a dash of oyster sauce, which helps to add a nice richness and thicken it up. To make this dish even easier, you could use a bag of pre-chopped Asian veggies and then the full prep time comes in under five minutes.
The other great thing about this recipe is that you probably have most of the ingredients on hand or you can easily find them at your local grocery store. There are many ways to customize this dish as well. Stir-fries are like a box of chocolates...well, you know the saying.
Recipe Ideas for Soy Chicken and Vegetables
Asian food is so easy to customize. Really! Don't like a veggie? Swap it out! Want it spicier? Pile on the spice! Hate soy? Use coconut aminos.
- As I mentioned before, you can always add in a bag of frozen or refrigerated Asian veggies if you don't feel like purchasing them all separately and cutting them up. Veggie mixes come in several varieties so you are sure to find one that you love.
- If you don't have oyster sauce, you can skip it. No need to run to the store. Or you can use a type of mushroom sauce (which is, admittedly, probably even less likely something that you'd have on hand) as a substitute.
- Other veggies you might try in this dish (additionally or as a substitution for veggies you don't like/don't have) include bell peppers (any color), cauliflower, asparagus, snow peas, diced red onions, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and even diced butternut squash or sweet potato.
- Try boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. A thin steak or pork tenderloin would work too — be sure to check the temperature of the meat to test for doneness before taking it out of the oven.
- You can also cook this on a stovetop in a skillet or wok or grill the chicken and veggies (separately) if you want to take the meal outside.
- Swap soy for teriyaki sauce. If you need to avoid soy, use coconut aminos.
- Try making this dish using firm tofu or shrimp instead of chicken.
- For some sweetness, add honey or brown sugar to the soy sauce mixture.
- For heat, add some Sriracha, Asian chili paste, or red pepper flakes to the soy sauce.
Ways to Serve Soy Chicken
Asian foods call for rice, don't you think? But in addition, try:
- A different kind of rice like brown rice, a wild rice mix, or even cauliflower rice.
- Serve this dish over thin rice noodles, ramen, or udon. You can also substitute veggie noodles like zoodles, or spiralized carrots, squash, or even sweet potatoes.
- Skip the carbs — load up your plate with veggies instead. You won't miss a thing!
- Add in other grains like lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa.
- Pile on the veggies, then slice the chicken thighs and layer on top. Top that with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Drizzle with Sriracha. Take a photo. Post it to Instagram. You need to brag on this dish!
Side Dishes Ideas for Easy Soy Chicken
I'm all about the sides, and you can be, too!
- Try a fruit salad for a change. Chop and toss together any fruit you have on hand, or buy one pre-made at the store when you're picking up your other ingredients.
- A simple side salad is great with this dish. Try this Thai Chili Vinaigrette in this dish.
- An Asian slaw is easy to purchase pre-prepared and makes a great, crunch side that pairs well with most stir fries.
- Egg drop or miso soups also go great with Asian dishes.
- Try making your own spring rolls or egg rolls and a peanut sauce for dipping.
- Steam up some additional veggies to add to the side of your stir-fry, or add the extra veggies right into your dish to double up on nutrition. Adding extra veggies is a great way to feel like you're eating a giant meal without filling up on unhealthy foods.
- Eggs! Many Asian dishes pair great with a fried egg and this dish is no different. Fry or poach an egg and serve it right on top of the veggies.