Description
Soy Ginger Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, and spicy notes with optional sesame seeds and scallions for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
Sauce & Marinade:
- 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 (chili paste)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and sambal oelek until well combined. Reserve ¼ cup of this mixture separately for brushing during cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow bowl and pour the remaining sauce over them, making sure each piece is fully coated and as submerged as possible. Cover and refrigerate; marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for best flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess sauce drip off, and discard the used marinade. Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Initial Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to start cooking and caramelizing the sauce on the meat.
- Brush with Reserved Sauce: Take the chicken out and brush it generously with the reserved sauce, then return it to the oven.
- Continue Baking: Bake for an additional 5 minutes, then remove and brush again with the reserved sauce.
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for 3 to 5 more minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the oven, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will deepen the flavors and tenderize the chicken further.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken thighs reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- You can omit sambal oelek for a milder taste or adjust according to spice preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
