Go Back
Oven Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs plated with sesame seeds and green onions.

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

A cozy and satisfying oven-baked chicken dish with a sticky homemade teriyaki sauce that brings big flavor with minimal effort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Boneless thighs can be used as well.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt Season lightly.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Season lightly.
For the Teriyaki Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Soy sauce Salty base for the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup Honey or brown sugar Brings sticky sweetness.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Flavor booster.
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated Flavor booster.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar To balance sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame oil (optional) Adds a toasty finish.
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (optional) For thicker glaze.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with pepper and a pinch of salt.
  3. Place thighs on the pan, skin side up if they are skin-on.
  4. In a small saucepan, stir soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of vinegar. Warm it for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
  5. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir it into the warm sauce. Let it bubble for 30 to 60 seconds.
Baking
  1. Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes without sauce to allow browning.
  2. Brush or spoon sauce over the thighs, then bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Add another quick brush of sauce in the last 5 minutes for a sticky top.
  4. Check doneness with a thermometer. Pull thighs when the internal temperature reaches 175°F to 185°F.
Serving
  1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onion if desired.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice and vegetables like broccoli or sautéed green beans for a complete meal. Double the sauce for extra on the rice.