Lemon Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Looking for a chicken dinner that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t take hours to make? These Lemon Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are exactly that - juicy, tender, and coated in a glossy homemade sauce that’s the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory. I love how the lemon brightens everything up and makes this dish feel fresh and summery.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Lemon Teriyaki Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger finely minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced
- 2 lemons cut into wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix together all the marinade ingredients and add the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
- Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour—or, for even better flavor, overnight.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 170°F and the edges are slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- While the chicken is baking, heat a skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add olive oil and garlic, and sauté just until the garlic turns golden and fragrant.
- Lower the heat and stir in the lemon juice, soy sauce, and butter.
- Add onion powder, black pepper, ginger, honey, and salt. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to the sauce and coat well.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Top the chicken with lemon zest, sesame seeds, and green onions.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
Estimated Calories per Serving: Around 480–520 kcal
*Nutrition info is a rough estimate based on the ingredients. Note that values may vary from case to case.
*As with all recipes, there is a number of ways you can get things done. If you believe that some of the instructions can be improved, or have a good alternative solution, feel free to leave a comment.
