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Sticky Baked Sesame Chicken Thighs - featured image

Sticky Baked Sesame Chicken Thighs: Better Than Takeout


  • Author: SOFIA
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Crispy baked chicken thighs tossed in a homemade sweet and savory sesame glaze. This recipe offers takeout-quality flavor with less sugar and no deep frying, ready in under an hour.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, green onions, Sriracha

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until lightly coated. Drizzle with oil and toss again.
  3. Arrange chicken in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. While chicken bakes, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until sugar dissolves and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Remove chicken from oven. Place hot chicken in a large bowl with the glaze and toss gently to coat.
  6. Return chicken to the wire rack or a clean baking sheet. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Do not skip the wire rack to ensure even air circulation. Watch the broiler closely as sugar burns quickly. For a spicy version, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 18
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 22
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: sesame chicken, baked chicken, sticky chicken, healthy takeout, chicken thighs, easy dinner, gluten-free option, dairy-free