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Sticky Sesame Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.9 from 76 reviews

Delicious Sticky Sesame Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs baked to perfection and coated with a sticky, flavorful sesame glaze. This easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish combines savory soy sauce, sweet honey, aromatic garlic and ginger, and toasted sesame seeds, finished under the broiler for a caramelized, crispy finish. Perfect served with steamed rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 8 bone-in chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken skin-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
  2. Bake chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken thighs for 25 minutes. This initial baking cooks the chicken through until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F and the juices run clear, ensuring the meat stays juicy while the skin crisps lightly.
  3. Make the glaze: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sticky glaze by whisking together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger in a small bowl. This mixture adds a rich, balanced sweetness and savory flavor to the chicken.
  4. Glaze and broil: Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush half of the prepared glaze over each thigh. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly on top. Switch your oven to broil on high. Return the chicken to the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, carefully watching to avoid burning. Halfway through broiling, brush the remaining glaze over the chicken to deepen the shine and caramelization.
  5. Rest and garnish: Once the glaze is bubbly, sticky, and slightly charred, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Finally, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal finish and serve hot for a flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the top third of the oven when broiling to achieve the best caramelization.
  • Use bone-in thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness; boneless thighs will cook faster but may be less tender.
  • Adjust the amount of honey if you prefer less sweetness or want a spicier glaze addition like chili flakes.
  • Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/sticky-sesame-chicken-thighs-recipe/