Description
Tender and flavorful soy ginger chicken thighs marinated in a savory-soy ginger sauce, then baked to perfection with a delicious glaze. This easy-to-make dish combines the rich umami of soy sauce with the zing of ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for 4 servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
Marinade and 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 (chili paste)
Garnish (optional)
- 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 for easy cleanup and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and sambal oelek. Reserve ¼ cup of this sauce in a small bowl for brushing during cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the remaining sauce over chicken thighs in a shallow bowl, turning to coat well and submerge most of the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to the lined baking sheet, letting excess marinade drip off. Discard leftover marinade.
- Initial Bake: Bake the chicken at 425°F for 10 minutes.
- First Glaze: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush each piece with the reserved sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Second Glaze and Finish Cooking: Brush the chicken again with the reserved sauce and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes more. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Total cooking time should range from 18 to 25 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove chicken from oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderize the chicken more effectively.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check that chicken thighs reach 165°F internally for safe eating.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of sambal oelek or add chili flakes to the marinade.
- To save time, you can bake chicken straight from the marinade without discarding excess sauce—but be sure to cook thoroughly.
- Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced scallions adds texture and fresh aroma.
