Description
This Baked Chicken in Sweet Teriyaki Marinade is a flavorful and easy-to-make main course featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then baked to perfection. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s a delicious Asian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Teriyaki Marinade
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Thickening (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until fully combined to create your teriyaki marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and arrange it in a baking dish. Reserve the marinade for sauce. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. To thicken the sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Spoon the thickened teriyaki sauce over the baked chicken, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve warm for a delightful meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness.
- Using chicken thighs results in juicier meat, while chicken breasts offer a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
