Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a savory dish that combines the juicy tenderness of chicken thighs with the sweet and tangy goodness of teriyaki glaze, look no further. This recipe is not only simple to make but also offers a delightful explosion of flavor. Ideal for dinner with family or friends, these teriyaki chicken thighs are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 2 pounds)
– 3 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Teriyaki Glaze:
– ½ cup soy sauce
– ¼ cup water
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
Garnish:
– Finely chopped green onions
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
18-22 minutes
Total Time
30-32 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with sesame oil, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Add the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
4. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
6. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil.
7. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 minute.
9. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to the saucepan, continuing to stir until the glaze thickens.
10. Remove the saucepan from heat.
11. After the initial 12 minutes of baking, remove the chicken from the oven.
12. Pour the prepared teriyaki glaze over the chicken thighs in the baking dish.
13. Use tongs to turn each chicken thigh, ensuring they are fully coated with the glaze on all sides.
14. Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 6-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
15. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the oven.
16. Turn the chicken thighs again to coat them thoroughly with the thickened teriyaki glaze.
17. Optional: Garnish the glazed chicken thighs with finely chopped green onions before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with sesame oil, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Season the Chicken
Add the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Initial Baking
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
6. Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze
While the chicken is baking, in a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil.
7. Heat the Sauce
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 minute.
9. Thicken the Glaze
Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to the saucepan, continuing to stir until the glaze thickens.
10. Remove from Heat
Remove the saucepan from heat.
11. Add Glaze to Chicken
After the initial 12 minutes of baking, remove the chicken from the oven.
12. Coat Chicken with Glaze
Pour the prepared teriyaki glaze over the chicken thighs in the baking dish.
13. Turn Chicken
Use tongs to turn each chicken thigh, ensuring they are fully coated with the glaze on all sides.
14. Continue Baking
Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 6-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
15. Final Baking
Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the oven.
16. Coat Again
Turn the chicken thighs again to coat them thoroughly with the thickened teriyaki glaze.
17. Garnish (Optional)
Garnish the glazed chicken thighs with finely chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Storage
Leftover teriyaki chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Flavor Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less brown sugar or honey according to your taste.
Chicken Alternatives
Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs for a leaner option, with similar cooking times.
Cook techniques
Coating Chicken
Evenly coat chicken thighs with sesame oil and dry seasoning to ensure they are flavorful and crispy.
Baking
Bake the seasoned chicken thighs to achieve a tender, juicy texture before adding the glaze.
Glaze Preparation
Simmer the glaze ingredients to develop depth of flavor before thickening it with cornstarch.
Thickening Sauce
Combine cornstarch with water to create a slurry that will thicken the teriyaki sauce for a perfect coating.
Equal Coating
Turn the chicken while adding glaze to guarantee every piece is evenly coated for consistent flavor.
Internal Temperature Check
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Garnishing
Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and visual appeal before serving.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a shorter cooking time to avoid drying out.
What can I substitute for honey in the teriyaki glaze?
You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce to make the teriyaki glaze gluten-free.
What side dishes pair well with teriyaki chicken?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad are great sides for teriyaki chicken.
Conclusion
This teriyaki chicken recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy flavorful and juicy chicken thighs. The combination of the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze enhances the dish beautifully, making it perfect for any family dinner or gathering. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Serve the glazed chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, topped with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Teriyaki Chicken Salad
Slice the teriyaki chicken and toss it with mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumber, and a sesame dressing for a refreshing salad option.
Teriyaki Chicken Tacos
Use the glazed chicken as a filling for tacos, adding toppings like avocado, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Teriyaki Sauce
Sauté a variety of vegetables such as bok choy, snap peas, and bell peppers, and drizzle with teriyaki sauce for a tasty vegetarian option.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Cut the chicken into cubes, thread them onto skewers, glaze with teriyaki sauce, and grill for a fun party appetizer.
Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
Incorporate diced teriyaki chicken into fried rice, along with peas, carrots, and green onions, for a quick and satisfying meal.
