Description
Easy Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs: Juicy chicken thighs marinated in soy garlic sauce, packed with flavor, perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 6–8 thighs)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) low-sodium soy sauce (reduces saltiness while maintaining flavor)
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar (adds caramelization and balances the saltiness)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil (adds nutty depth)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar (provides acidity to balance flavors)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) grated fresh ginger (adds warmth and brightness)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil (for searing)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish and texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves completely. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this marinade for basting later, which ensures food safety while maximizing flavor.
- Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Turn to coat evenly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours will yield even more flavorful results.
- Step 3: Prepare for Cooking Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
- Step 4: Sear the Chicken Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
- Step 5: Finish in the Oven Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up, brush with some of the reserved marinade, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 6: Rest and Serve Remove from the oven and let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 140mg