These teriyaki glazed chicken thighs are one of my favorite meals to make when I want something savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. The chicken turns juicy and tender, while the glossy teriyaki glaze coats every bite with rich flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful, even after baking. The homemade teriyaki sauce is simple to prepare and tastes far better than store-bought versions. I also enjoy how versatile this dish is, since it works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken thighs
soy sauce
honey
brown sugar
rice vinegar
sesame oil
garlic
fresh ginger
cornstarch
water
olive oil
green onions
Directions
I start by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish. I arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer and season them lightly with salt if needed.
In a saucepan, I combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. I bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, I mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
I pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and bake until the thighs are cooked through and tender. Halfway through cooking, I spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to keep it well coated. Once done, I garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time is around 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Total time comes to roughly 40 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for a fruity twist. When I want a bit of heat, I stir in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce. I also like finishing the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes to deepen the glaze.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, spooning extra sauce over the top to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
I can use bone-in thighs, but I increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I often prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to cook.
Is this teriyaki sauce very sweet?
I find it balanced, but I can easily reduce the sugar or honey if I prefer it less sweet.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken thighs?
I like serving them with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or stir-fried greens.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
I grill the chicken sometimes and brush the sauce on during the last few minutes so it doesn’t burn.
Conclusion
These teriyaki glazed chicken thighs are a recipe I love for their bold flavor and juicy texture. They’re easy to make, full of comfort, and always feel like a satisfying homemade meal I’m happy to return to again and again.
Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Thighs
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Juicy baked chicken thighs coated in a rich, glossy homemade teriyaki glaze that’s savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying.
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the baking dish and season lightly with salt if desired.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir it into the saucepan.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Bake for 30 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken halfway through cooking.
- Remove from the oven once chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a deeper glaze if desired.
- Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing honey or brown sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
