Name: Crispy Soy-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Creamy Grits & Collard Greens
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or canola); 2 cups cooked creamy grits (hot, prepared as you like); 2 cups cooked collard greens (hot, seasoned as you like); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Crispy Soy-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Creamy Grits & Collard Greens

miradugm

Pairing creamy grits and collard greens with protein can be classic or bold—here, we go bold! Inspired by high-heat wok technique, juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a savory soy-ginger glaze, then seared until crisp and lacquered. The result is tender, flavorful meat that delivers an umami punch, perfectly complementing the mellow richness of grits and earthy collards. This dish bridges Southern comfort and a bit of Asian flair, delivering contrast in texture and a boost of flavor. Perfect for a California evening, it’s hearty, vibrant, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.
Add chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss to coat and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil.
Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off) and sear thighs in the hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply golden, caramelized, and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
While chicken cooks, reheat or keep grits and collard greens warm.
Once chicken is cooked, pour any remaining marinade into the pan and let bubble for 1 minute, turning chicken to glaze.
To serve, spoon creamy grits onto plates, top with collard greens, then the glazed chicken thighs.
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for crunch and color. Serve immediately.