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Deliciously baked teriyaki chicken thighs served on a plate with sesame seeds and green onions

Oven Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

A delicious and easy dish featuring tender chicken thighs soaked in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (skin removed) Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances natural flavors.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds subtle kick.
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil Fragrant oil with nutty flavor.
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce Rich base for teriyaki sauce.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Offers sweet balance.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Adds stickiness and natural sweetness.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Provides aromatic depth.
  • 1 inch fresh ginger (finely grated) Adds warmth and spice.
  • 2 tablespoons corn flour Thickens the sauce.
  • 1 cup water Balances flavors.
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional) Adds crunch and flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Prepare a large baking tray.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
  3. In a small glass, combine two tablespoons of corn flour with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Stir and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and simmer for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the remaining water to the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Slowly stir in the corn flour mixture until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
  3. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Set a large skillet over high heat and add sesame oil. Brown each side of the chicken thighs for about 2 minutes.
  2. Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking tray. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
  3. Bake for about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and pour remaining sauce over the chicken. Return to oven for an additional 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Serving
  1. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve over fluffy white rice.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for a few hours or overnight. For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes. Adjust sweetness with more or less brown sugar or honey as preferred.