Baked Teriyaki Chicken
Baked Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful dish that features tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. As the chicken bakes, the glaze caramelizes, creating a rich, glossy finish that enhances the meat's natural juiciness.
Ingredients
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Greasing the dish helps prevent the food from sticking while allowing for easier cleanup after baking. The high temperature ensures that the dish will cook quickly and evenly, achieving a crispy exterior.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, soy sauce, cider vinegar, cornstarch, cold water, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the teriyaki sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 3 to 5 minutes. Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. This process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, flavorful glaze.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish. Brush both sides of each thigh generously with the teriyaki sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside any remaining sauce for basting later, which will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it bakes.
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while the teriyaki sauce caramelizes, creating a flavorful glaze. The high heat ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy with a slightly crispy exterior.
- Flip the chicken over and brush with the remaining sauce. Continue baking, basting the chicken with the sauce every 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked, the juices run clear, and there is no pink remaining. This ensures the chicken is tender and infused with flavor, while the sauce adds a rich, glossy finish. The total baking time will be an additional 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken.
- Serve the chicken hot, garnished with the flavorful sauce, and enjoy the perfect balance of savory sweetness in every bite. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, allowing the tender, juicy chicken and rich glaze to shine.