Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
This easy recipe guides you through creating flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Thighs. Skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, then broiled to tender perfection with a golden finish. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a final touch. Ideal for a quick, healthy main course.
Equipment
- 1 Resealable Plastic Bag Alternatively, use a shallow dish with a lid for marinating.
- 1 Mixing Bowl Medium-sized, for combining marinade ingredients.
- 1 Whisk Or a spoon, for dissolving sugar in the marinade.
- 1 Broiler Pan Essential for proper drainage and even broiling.
- 1 Tongs For safely flipping chicken under the broiler.
Ingredients
Main
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves crushed with a garlic press or minced
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce, sugar, sherry, vinegar, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes and stir until the sugar dissolves. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag and add the chicken. Seal the bag and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator, turning once, for 1 hour. The chicken can be marinated for up to 4 hours.
- Heat the broiler to high. Arrange the chicken on a broiler pan skin side down and broil until brown and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and broil until almost cooked through, about 8 minutes longer. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cook until the seeds turn golden brown and the chicken is done, 1 to 2 minutes longer.
Notes
To prevent burning due to the sugar in the marinade, keep a close eye on the chicken, especially during the final minutes of broiling. Adjust the rack position if browning too quickly. For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken for the full 4 hours. If dry sherry is unavailable, mirin or a dry white wine can be substituted, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly. Chicken thighs are excellent for broiling as their fat content helps them remain juicy. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Serve these flavorful thighs with steamed jasmine rice and blanched broccolini to complete a balanced meal. Garnish with fresh scallions for color and a subtle oniony bite.