Roasted Sesame Chicken Thighs with Honey-Soy Glaze
Juicy roasted chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory honey-soy sauce enhanced by toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs in a large baking dish and pour the honey-soy mixture over them, turning to coat evenly. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Roast the chicken thighs uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting occasionally with pan juices.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Sesame Chicken Thighs with Honey-Soy Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Roasted Sesame Chicken Thighs with Honey-Soy Glaze?
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 Roasted Sesame Chicken Thighs with Honey-Soy Glaze?
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 Roasted Sesame Chicken Thighs with Honey-Soy Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Roasted Sesame Chicken Thighs with Honey-Soy Glaze?
Asian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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