Description
Tender and flavorful soy ginger chicken thighs marinated in a savory sauce and baked to juicy perfection. This easy recipe combines the rich umami of soy sauce with the zing of grated ginger and a touch of heat from sambal oelek, creating a deliciously glazed chicken dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sambal oelek
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- 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 on the chicken during baking.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow bowl and pour the remaining sauce over them. Turn the chicken to ensure each piece is fully coated and submerged as much as possible. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator to maximize flavor.
- Arrange Chicken for Baking: When ready, transfer the marinated chicken thighs to the lined baking sheet, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Initial Baking: Bake the chicken at 425°F for about 10 minutes until the chicken begins to cook through.
- First Sauce Brush and Bake: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the chicken with the reserved sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Second Sauce Brush and Finish Baking: Brush the chicken again with the reserved sauce, then bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy. Total cooking time should be approximately 18-25 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions over the top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- Sesame seeds and scallions add color and texture but are optional.
- For a spicier kick, increase the sambal oelek amount to taste.
- Line the baking sheet to reduce cleanup and prevent sticking.
