Crispy Sesame-Ginger Glazed Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky-sweet sesame-ginger glaze, perfect for serving over steamed rice with fresh vegetables. This asian-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear chicken skin-side down for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 2: Flip chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, then transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: While chicken bakes, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water in a small bowl, then add to the sauce mixture. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened and glossy, stirring constantly.
- Step 5: Pour glaze over chicken in the skillet, turning to coat evenly. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Sesame-Ginger Glazed Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Sesame-Ginger Glazed Chicken Thighs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Sesame-Ginger Glazed Chicken Thighs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Sesame-Ginger Glazed Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Crispy Sesame-Ginger Glazed Chicken Thighs gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
