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baked teriyaki chicken thighs

Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs – Juicy, Flavorful, and Perfectly Sticky!

If you’re craving tender, flavorful chicken with that irresistible sweet-and-savory teriyaki glaze, these Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are your answer. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect with rice or steamed veggies for a weeknight dinner everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Marinate 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Japanese
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 –6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water optional, for thicker sauce
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Skillet for searing (optional)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer (recommended)

Method
 

Preheat Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken, skin-side down, for 2–3 minutes until golden. Flip and sear the other side for 1–2 minutes.
Make Teriyaki Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Bake the Chicken
  1. Place seared chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Optional: Thicken Sauce
  1. If you like a thicker glaze, remove chicken and pour pan sauce into a small saucepan. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer over medium heat until thickened. Pour over chicken before serving.
Garnish & Serve
  1. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

Make it extra flavorful: Marinate chicken in the sauce for 20–30 minutes before searing.
Crispier skin: Broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.