Description
Flavorful and juicy Soy Ginger Chicken Thighs marinated in a savory soy sauce mixture with ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice, then oven-baked to perfection. Garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy with an Asian-inspired flair, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
Sauce
- 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 (chili paste)
Garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and sambal oelek in a bowl. Reserve ¼ cup of this sauce for basting during cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken thighs in a shallow dish, turning to ensure every piece is coated and submerged as much as possible. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.
- Prepare for Baking: When ready to cook, transfer the chicken thighs to the lined baking sheet, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard leftover marinade to avoid contamination.
- Bake Part 1: Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, allowing the chicken to start cooking evenly.
- Baste and Bake Part 2: Remove the chicken and brush with the reserved sauce, then return to oven to bake for another 5 minutes to build layers of flavor.
- Baste and Finish Baking: After 5 minutes, brush the chicken with sauce again and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination will yield deeper flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust sambal oelek quantity if you prefer less or more heat.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
