The combination of tender chicken thighs and a homemade teriyaki sauce makes this dish a standout for any meal. The sweet and savory glaze perfectly complements the juicy chicken, creating a balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family or a meal to impress guests. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete, well-rounded plate. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this Baked Teriyaki Chicken is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, sugar, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then slowly whisk into the sauce. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, basting the chicken with the sauce every 15 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal (per serving) | Servings: 6 servings
About This Dish
Baked Teriyaki Chicken is a timeless classic that brings the comforting flavors of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce to your dinner table. With roots in Japanese cuisine, this dish has been adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences worldwide. The use of chicken thighs ensures the meat remains tender and juicy, absorbing the rich flavors of the homemade teriyaki glaze.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Chicken Thighs: Known for their juiciness and rich flavor, chicken thighs are an affordable and protein-packed choice. They stay moist even after extended cooking times.
- Soy Sauce: The base of the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce brings a deep umami flavor to the dish. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy undertone to the glaze, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion.
- Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that contributes a mild, savory kick to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent, it helps achieve the glossy, syrup-like consistency that makes the sauce cling to the chicken perfectly.
Tips for Success
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken thighs in the teriyaki sauce for 1–2 hours before baking. This ensures every bite is infused with the sauce’s delicious flavors.
- Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or veggies? Double the sauce ingredients and set aside a portion before pouring it over the chicken to bake. This keeps it fresh and uncontaminated.
- Customize the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by using honey, brown sugar, or even pineapple juice for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Baked Teriyaki Chicken with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the rich sauce beautifully.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas add a vibrant and healthy touch to the plate.
- Noodles: Swap rice for stir-fried noodles for a fun alternative.
Storage and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a skillet over low heat to preserve the moisture. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the meat.
- Freezing: The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to potluck parties. It’s easy to prepare, uses ingredients you likely already have, and offers a flavor profile that suits all ages. Plus, the recipe is versatile—swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or even chicken breasts, and the results will still be amazing!
The Origin of Teriyaki
The word “teriyaki” comes from the Japanese words “teri,” meaning a shine or luster, and “yaki,” which means grilled or broiled. The technique was traditionally used in Japanese cuisine to prepare fish by marinating it in a sweet soy-based sauce and then grilling or broiling it. Over time, this method has evolved and gained global popularity, with chicken becoming a common substitute. Baking the dish, as in this recipe, provides a convenient and hands-off way to achieve the same delicious results.
Health Benefits of Teriyaki Chicken
While this dish is known for its rich and indulgent flavor, it also offers several nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, crucial for muscle repair and maintenance.
- Rich in Minerals: Soy sauce adds trace amounts of essential minerals like manganese and iron.
- Ginger and Garlic: Both ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
For a healthier twist, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the sugar content by substituting honey or maple syrup.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Include pineapple chunks in the baking dish for a tangy, tropical flavor.
- Vegetable-Packed Teriyaki: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the dish for a one-pan meal.
- Teriyaki Drumsticks or Wings: Swap the chicken thighs for drumsticks or wings to create a party-friendly appetizer.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Keep It Juicy: Bone-in chicken thighs can be used for even juicier results, but adjust the baking time to ensure they cook thoroughly.
- Baste Frequently: Basting the chicken every 15 minutes with the sauce ensures an even, caramelized glaze.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Perfect Pairings
Enhance your meal with these complementary sides:
- Asian Slaw: A crisp, tangy salad with shredded cabbage and sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Sticky Rice: The sweetness of sticky rice pairs perfectly with the savory teriyaki glaze.
- Miso Soup: A bowl of warm, umami-rich miso soup rounds out the meal.
Make It Meal-Prep Friendly
This Baked Teriyaki Chicken is ideal for meal prep! Bake a larger batch and divide it into containers with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. The sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful, even after reheating.
Conclusion
Baked Teriyaki Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of rich, bold flavors combined with the simplicity of home cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is easy to prepare, versatile, and guaranteed to impress. The tender, juicy chicken paired with the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this dish shines with its universal appeal. By customizing the ingredients or serving it with your favorite sides, you can make it truly your own. With minimal effort and pantry-friendly ingredients, this Baked Teriyaki Chicken is destined to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors, share it with loved ones, and savor the joy of creating something delicious and wholesome. Happy cooking!