Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Thighs

Welcome to my blog, where we dive into the world of delicious and healthy cooking. Today, I am excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes: Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Thighs. This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also versatile enough to be served in various ways, making it perfect for any meal of the day.

Introduction

Teriyaki is a popular Japanese cooking technique that involves marinating meat or fish in a sweet soy sauce mixture before grilling or baking. The result is a tender, flavorful dish with a caramelized glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and umami. Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this recipe because they are rich in flavor and have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which helps keep them moist during cooking.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
Honey: 1/4 cup (60g)
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, finely grated
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
Rice Wine or Sake: 1/4 cup (60ml)
Sugar: 2 tablespoons
Water: 1/4 cup (60ml)
Green Onions: 2-3 stalks, sliced for garnish
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted

Equipment

Cooking pot or skillet
Baking sheet
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Sharp knife
Basting brush

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice wine or sake, sugar, and water until well combined. Set aside.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Remove the Chicken from the Marinade: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up.
Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, carefully flip the chicken thighs and brush generously with the remaining marinade. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Broil for Crispy Skin: If desired, place the baking sheet under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy skin. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Rest the Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite every time.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or your favorite sides.

Variations and Tips

Variations: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For example, you could use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. Alternatively, try substituting the chicken with salmon fillets or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Tips: To ensure even cooking, make sure the chicken thighs are similar in size. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If you’re short on time, you can reduce the marination time to just 30 minutes, though longer marination will yield more flavor.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 25g

Conclusion

Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Thighs is a delightful dish that combines the savory richness of soy sauce with the sweetness of honey and the aromatic warmth of garlic and ginger. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy!