Few recipes hit the sweet spot between easy and irresistible quite like sticky baked chicken thighs. This version uses boneless, skinless thighs for a quicker cook perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, without the bone or skin, they absorb the marinade beautifully for a perfect sticky glaze. Served alongside rice, roasted broccoli, or a cucumber salad, this is one quick and easy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe for Sticky Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
For the chicken
- 2 lbs TBS boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sticky glaze
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
Directions:
1. Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the dish.
2. Make the Sticky Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry and set aside. Combine the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once simmering, stir in the slurry. Cook for another 1 – 2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
3. Bake and Baste
Brush a generous amount of glaze over the chicken. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with more glaze halfway through. For extra caramelization, switch your oven to broil during the last 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
4. Serve and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the thighs. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Add extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in the glaze for 30 minutes for a deeper flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Repurpose leftovers: Use any leftovers in rice bowls, wraps, or chopped over an Asian-style salad.
Busy Weeknights Call for The Butcher Shop
Sticky baked chicken thighs bring all the flavor with minimal fuss, and one stop at The Butcher Shop can put them on your table tonight. You’ll find a wide selection of free-range meat, including chicken thighs, sourced from farms right here in Southern Oregon. We also carry fresh produce, freshly baked loaves of bread, and high-quality pantry essentials at prices that won’t break your budget. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.