Teriyaki Chicken Thighs - Super Tasty Recipes

Start Cooking

Prep Time:5

Cook Time:40

Total Time:45

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs
⅓ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup water
½ lemon juiced
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons mustard
2 garlic cloves minced
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Chopped chives for garnish
Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven - Set your oven to 400°F or 200°C. Give it a few minutes to fully heat up while you get everything else ready.
Step 2: Make the sauce base - In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, mustard, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Thicken the sauce - In another small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Make sure it is fully mixed so there are no lumps. Add this to your sauce mixture and whisk until it is completely smooth.
Step 4: Prepare the chicken - Place the chicken thighs in a casserole dish. Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. Arrange them skin side down to start.
Step 5: Add the sauce - Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Do not worry if it looks a bit thin at this stage. It will thicken as it bakes.
Step 6: First bake - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. This gives the chicken time to start cooking and absorbing all those flavors.
Step 7: Flip and baste - Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Turn the chicken thighs skin side up and spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece.
Step 8: Final bake - Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, golden brown, and beautifully glazed.
Step 9: Rest and serve - Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Garnish with chopped chives and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Substitutions

Honey alternative: You can use maple syrup or regular sugar if you want a slightly different sweetness
Garlic swap: Garlic powder works well if you do not have fresh garlic on hand
Soy sauce option: Use low sodium soy sauce if you prefer a lighter salt level

Variations

Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat
Citrus twist: Try adding orange juice instead of lemon for a sweeter citrus flavor
Nutty finish: Top with crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor

Tips and Tricks

Avoid lumps: Always dissolve the cornstarch fully in cold water before adding it to the sauce
Even cooking: Leave space between the chicken pieces so they roast instead of steam
Resting time: Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy
Extra flavor: Marinate the chicken for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking if you have the time

Serving Ideas

With rice: Serve over fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce
With vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal
In bowls: Build a simple rice bowl with chicken, veggies, and extra sauce on top

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days
Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through
Make ahead: You can mix the sauce and prep the chicken in advance to save time later

Private Notes

Click here to add your own private notes.