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Sticky Sesame Chicken Thighs Recipe

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These Sticky Sesame Chicken Thighs are a mouthwatering blend of tender, juicy chicken baked to perfection and coated with a rich, caramelized sesame glaze. Featuring a deliciously sticky sauce made from soy, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Easy to prepare and ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the thighs skin-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and check that the juices run clear. This initial baking cooks the chicken perfectly without any sauce applied yet, keeping the meat juicy.
  3. Prepare the glaze: While the chicken is baking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger in a small bowl. This mixture will serve as the sticky, flavorful glaze and prevents burning during broiling.
  4. Apply glaze and broil: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven. Brush the chicken thighs generously with half of the prepared glaze, then sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the top. Switch the oven setting to broil on high and return the chicken to the oven. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the glaze bubbles, slightly chars, and becomes sticky and caramelized. Halfway through broiling, brush the chicken with the remaining glaze to create an even, shiny coating.
  5. Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Finally, garnish with the freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with a sticky, savory-sweet sesame glaze.

Notes

  • Use bone-in thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Keep a close eye while broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
  • Serve this dish with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
  • For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
  • Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get crispy skin.

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