Juicy Korean Chicken Thighs (Printable version)
Honey-soy marinated Korean chicken thighs, grilled or baked until caramelized and topped with sesame and scallions.
# Ingredient list:
→ Chicken
01 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 2.6 lb
→ Marinade
02 - 1/4 cup soy sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons honey
04 - 2 tablespoons sesame oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
08 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 green onions, finely sliced
→ Garnish
12 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
13 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, gochujang, rice vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, black pepper, and sliced green onions until well combined.
02 - Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat the oven to 425°F or set a grill to medium-high heat.
04 - Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet or place directly onto the preheated grill. Bake or grill for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is nicely caramelized.
05 - Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The marinade doubles as a glaze, so every single bite packs a punch of salty, sweet, and gently spicy flavor.
- Chicken thighs are forgiving and practically impossible to overcook, which makes this stress free even on your worst day.
02 -
- Do not skip the marinating time because the soy sauce needs at least 30 minutes to penetrate the meat and tenderize it properly.
- If you broil the chicken for the final two minutes, watch it like a hawk because the honey goes from perfectly caramelized to burnt in seconds.
03 -
- If you can marinate the chicken in the morning before work, dinner will be ready faster than delivery and taste ten times better.
- Reserve a spoonful of marinade before adding the raw chicken and brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of sticky glaze.