Description
This Soy Ginger Chicken Thighs recipe offers a flavorful and tender chicken dish marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. Baked to perfection and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, it’s an easy and delicious meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Scallions (thinly sliced, optional for garnish)
Soy Ginger 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 tsp toasted sesame oil
- ½ tsp sambal oelek
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and sambal oelek to make the soy ginger sauce. Reserve ¼ cup of this sauce in a small bowl for brushing later.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow bowl and pour the remaining sauce over them. Turn the chicken pieces to ensure they are fully coated and mostly submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Arrange Chicken to Bake: Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the sauce, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake Chicken Initial: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for about 10 minutes.
- Brush Sauce and Continue Baking: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush each piece with the reserved sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Final Brush and Bake: Remove the chicken once more, brush with the reserved sauce again, and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the amount of sambal oelek to control the spiciness.
- For a crispier skin, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
