Description
Soy Ginger Chicken Thighs combine tender, skinless boneless chicken thighs with a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice from sambal oelek. Marinated for at least 30 minutes and baked to juicy perfection, this dish is garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, delivering a savory Asian-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Garnish
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Scallions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
Soy Ginger 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and set aside.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and sambal oelek to create the soy ginger sauce. Reserve ¼ cup of this sauce separately for brushing during baking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow bowl and pour the remaining marinade over them. Turn the chicken to ensure it is fully coated and submerged as much as possible. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off, and discard the marinade. Arrange the chicken thighs on the lined baking sheet.
- Initial Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes to start cooking through.
- First Glaze: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush it with the reserved soy ginger sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Second Glaze and Finish Bake: Brush the chicken again with the reserved sauce and continue baking for 3 to 5 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and makes the chicken even more tender.
- Adjust sambal oelek quantity or omit for less spicy flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- To keep chicken skin-on, increase baking time slightly and monitor for doneness.
- Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
