Description
This Baked Chicken in Sweet Teriyaki Marinade features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts soaked in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger. The chicken is marinated to absorb the rich teriyaki flavors, baked to juicy perfection, and served with a luscious, thickened sauce garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. A simple yet delicious dish that brings the savory-sweet taste of teriyaki right to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Thickening Sauce (Optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined to create a flavorful teriyaki marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts into a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensure all pieces are well coated, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 24 hours for best flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Oven: About 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Arrange the Chicken for Baking: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place the pieces in a single layer in a baking dish. Reserve the marinade for making the sauce.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes until it thickens beautifully.
- Serve: Brush the thickened sauce over the baked chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add a fresh, nutty crunch and an appealing presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 24 hours) intensifies the flavor.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- The optional thickening step makes a more sauce-like consistency perfect for drizzling or dipping.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
