Description
Soy Ginger Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Baked to perfection and finished with optional sesame seeds and scallions for a delicious Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
Sauce
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger root
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sambal oelek
Garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and sambal oelek in a bowl. Set aside ¼ cup of this sauce for basting later during baking.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow bowl and pour the remaining sauce over them, turning to coat all pieces evenly. Ensure chicken is mostly submerged and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Arrange Chicken for Baking: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and discard the used marinade. Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Initial Baking: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to start cooking and caramelize the sauce’s sugars.
- First Baste: Remove the tray and brush the chicken thighs with the reserved sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Final Baste and Bake: Brush the chicken again with the reserved sauce and bake for another 3-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with optional sesame seeds and sliced scallions for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve hot.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of sambal oelek to control the spiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Low sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels but adjust seasoning based on your preference.
- For a crispier skin, broil chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end if desired.
