Description
Deliciously tender and flavorful Soy Ginger Chicken Thighs marinated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice. These chicken thighs are baked to juicy perfection and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions for a delightful Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 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 prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare Soy Ginger Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and sambal oelek until the sugar dissolves completely. Reserve ¼ cup of this sauce separately for brushing the chicken during baking.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow bowl and pour the remaining marinade over them, turning to coat thoroughly and submerge the pieces as much as possible. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Arrange Chicken for Baking: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the used marinade. Arrange the thighs evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 10 minutes to begin cooking through.
- First Sauce Brush and Continue Baking: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush it evenly with the reserved soy ginger sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Second Sauce Brush and Final Bake: Take the chicken out again, give it another generous brush with the reserved sauce, then put it back in the oven for a final 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and makes the chicken more tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the sambal oelek quantity slightly.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- The reserved sauce is only for brushing and should not be used as a serving sauce unless boiled to kill bacteria.
