Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are not just a meal; they are a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. Imagine succulent chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, caramelized to perfection. Marry Me Chicken for a Special Occasion The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a bite before it even hits the table.
The first time I made these Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs for my family, the looks on their faces were priceless. It was as if I had just served them gourmet food at a five-star restaurant. We devoured every last morsel, and I was officially crowned the “King or Queen of the Kitchen.” This dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, and it promises an amazing flavor experience that you won’t forget. Pineapple Chicken Rice for a Tropical Twist.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweet and savory that everyone loves
- With their golden-brown glaze, they look stunning on any dinner plate
- Versatile enough for various sides, you can serve them with rice, veggies, or even as leftovers in a salad
I remember one evening when my best friend came over unexpectedly. I whipped up these Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs in under an hour, and we ended up having an impromptu feast filled with laughter and memories. For more inspiration, check out this chicken, rice, and broccoli recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Choose thighs with skin for extra flavor and moisture during baking.
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Teriyaki Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; both will work wonders for this recipe.
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Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger for that zesty kick; it’s worth the effort!
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings out an aromatic depth in the dish.
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
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Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide freshness and color to the final presentation.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while maintaining flavor.
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Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely caramelization on the chicken.
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Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar balances sweetness with acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
Season Your Chicken : Pat dry your chicken thighs with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
Create the Marinade : In a bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until well combined. This aromatic mixture will infuse delicious flavors into your chicken.
Marinate the Chicken : Place the seasoned chicken thighs into a baking dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring every piece gets coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—an hour if you can wait!
Bake Until Perfectly Cooked : Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have that golden-brown finish.
Add Finishing Touches : In the last five minutes of baking, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken for added crunch and pop of flavor. You can also broil them briefly if you like extra crispiness.
With these steps complete, prepare yourself for an incredible taste sensation! Enjoy your Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs hot from the oven alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe thirds! Chicken Chow Mein for a Quick Meal.
You Must Know
- Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for a weeknight dinner
- The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully, making every bite irresistible
- This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices, adding a personal touch to your family meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven while preparing a tasty teriyaki sauce. Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes at 400°F for optimal juiciness.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option. Add sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving for extra flavor and crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure the chicken thighs are evenly coated with marinade for maximum flavor penetration
- Avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F
- Pair with steamed rice and veggies to create a balanced meal that everyone will love
Cooking Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs takes me back to family gatherings where everyone would fight over the last piece! It’s amazing how food brings people together. Salisbury Steak Meatballs as a Comfort Food.

FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster than thighs.
What sides pair well with Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs?
Serve with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for balance.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight enhances flavor even more.
Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate your weeknight dinners. Simple to prepare, these chicken thighs are marinated in a rich teriyaki sauce and baked to perfection, resulting in tender meat with a caramelized glaze. Ideal for family gatherings or impressing guests, this dish promises an unforgettable taste experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin on)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and pour marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Arrange chicken skin-side up in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds during the last five minutes of baking.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 110mg



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