Soy-Glazed Whole Chicken
Poultry

Soy-Glazed Whole Chicken

ML
By Marie Lefebvre · Updated October 27, 2026

A juicy whole chicken marinated in lemon and garlic, then coated in a rich soy-butter glaze — all cooked in the microwave in under an hour. This budget-friendly recipe delivers bold, caramelized flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner when you want something satisfying without the long wait.

Prep⏱️ 50 min
Servings👥 6 servings
Difficulty📊 Easy
↓ Jump to Recipe Pin it
Pinterest WhatsApp Facebook

🛒 Ingredients

6 servings

6
  • 1.5 kg whole chicken
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 concentrated chicken bouillon cubes

Directions

  1. 1

    Remove the giblets from the chicken, rinse under cold water, and pat completely dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Rub the chicken all over with lemon juice and minced garlic. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

  3. 3

    Remove from the marinade, pat dry once more, and place in a microwave-safe dish. Cook on medium-high power for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Reduce to medium power and continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes, until the juices run clear and the meat near the bone is no longer pink.

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, combine the margarine, soy sauce, and crumbled bouillon cubes. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the margarine melts and the mixture is fully blended.

  6. 6

    Brush the glaze generously over the entire chicken. Return to the microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes to set and caramelize the glaze. Rest for 5 minutes before carving.

💡 Chef's Tip

For crispier golden skin, place the glazed chicken under your oven broiler for 3 to 4 minutes after microwaving. Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.