Enjoy the savory delight of crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce that will elevate any meal. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, combining irresistible flavors and textures that your family and friends will love. The crispy skin and sweet, sticky sauce create a mouth-watering experience that keeps you coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a rich, savory glaze that enhances the crispy chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these crispy chicken thighs with rice, vegetables, or on their own for a delicious meal any time.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this dish.
- Impressive Presentation: The garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds makes this dish look as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking thermometer
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken to achieve that perfect crispy skin before baking.
- Small saucepan: Necessary for preparing the sticky teriyaki sauce that adds flavor to the chicken.
- Cooking thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to perfection at 165°F (74°C).
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat while stirring until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to your saucepan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Pour half of your prepared teriyaki sauce over the seared chicken thighs while reserving the rest for later use.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Brush the remaining teriyaki sauce over your crispy chicken thighs. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot. Enjoy!
How to Serve Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce
Serving crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce is about creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.
On a Bed of Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice absorbs the delicious teriyaki sauce, creating a perfect base.
- Fried Rice: Toss in some vegetables and soy sauce for a heartier option with added texture.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Sautéed Broccoli: Quickly sauté broccoli in garlic and olive oil for a crunchy side that complements the chicken.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumber, sesame oil, and rice vinegar balances the richness of the dish.
In Tacos
- Teriyaki Chicken Tacos: Shred the chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with slaw and avocado for an Asian twist on tacos.
As Part of a Platter
- Charcuterie Style: Serve the chicken thighs alongside pickled vegetables, nuts, and cheese for an elegant appetizer spread.
How to Perfect Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce
Achieving perfectly crispy chicken thighs is key to enjoying this dish. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out just right.
- Use Bone-In Thighs: Bone-in cuts retain moisture better during cooking, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
- Pat Dry Before Cooking: Removing excess moisture helps achieve that desired crispiness on the skin.
- Sear on High Heat: Start with medium-high heat for searing; this locks in juices while giving you that beautiful golden skin.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each piece enough space in the skillet to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) guarantees safety while keeping your chicken juicy.
- Let It Rest After Cooking: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving retains its juices.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce
Pairing side dishes with crispy chicken thighs enhances your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic flavor provide comforting richness alongside the savory chicken.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas adds crunch and nutrition to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon dressing offers freshness that balances the dish’s richness.
- Miso Soup: This traditional Japanese soup is warm and soothing, making it an excellent companion to teriyaki flavors.
- Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw adds a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the stickiness of the teriyaki sauce.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with salty flavors, enhancing your overall meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make small errors while cooking crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Not Drying the Chicken: Failing to pat the chicken thighs dry can result in soggy skin. Always use paper towels to remove excess moisture for extra crispiness.
- Skipping the Sear: Skipping the searing step will lead to less flavor and texture. Sear the chicken skin side down until golden brown for that perfect crispy finish.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken beyond 165°F (74°C) can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly juicy chicken every time.
- Neglecting the Sauce: Forgetting to reserve some teriyaki sauce for glazing will miss out on flavor. Always set aside half of the sauce before pouring it over the chicken.
- Not Allowing Rest Time: Cutting into your chicken right after baking can let juices escape. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce
- Place cooled, cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking tray and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in short intervals until hot, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or oil as needed, until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to your teriyaki sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
What side dishes pair well with crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce?
Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce offer an irresistible combination of flavors that everyone will love. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different sauces. Enjoy this delightful dish at your next dinner!
Crispy Chicken Thighs with a Sticky Teriyaki Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky teriyaki sauce is a delightful dish that combines savory and sweet flavors for a mouthwatering experience. The crispy skin, paired with a rich, homemade teriyaki glaze, makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. In just 40 minutes, you can serve up juicy chicken thighs that are sure to impress family and friends. This versatile dish pairs well with rice, fresh vegetables, or can be enjoyed on its own. Elevate your dining experience by garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of elegance.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown; flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger over medium heat until dissolved. Thicken with cornstarch mixed with water.
- Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the seared chicken thighs and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- Brush remaining sauce on top before serving and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (150g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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