Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic Soy Glaze
This recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic Soy Glaze brings a timeless flavor that takes inspiration from a beloved Chinese restaurant dish I used to enjoy in my early married days. While the original version was smothered in a greasy breading, this homemade alternative ensures that the rich and savory essence shines through without the unappetizing fat. The slow baking process allows the dark meat to render its natural juices while the skin cooks to a delightful crisp, delivering the perfect bite every time. It's not only a hit among both children and adults, but it's also versatile. Feel free to scale the recipe for larger gatherings or simply whip it up for a cozy family dinner. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty, served cold or warmed up. Just a heads-up: be vigilant when shopping for chicken to avoid the unnatural “enhanced” varieties, which can alter the flavor profile and even cause reactions for some. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish, where each bite is packed with flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs
8 (Bone-in, skin-on)
garlic powder
to taste (Use as needed for seasoning)
soy sauce
4 teaspoons (Kikoman or your preferred brand)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
In a large shallow baking dish, arrange the chicken thighs or leg quarters in a single layer, skin side up.
3
Evenly sprinkle garlic powder over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well seasoned.
4
Drizzle approximately 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce on top of each chicken piece for added flavor.
5
For even cooking, leave space between each piece and adjust the chicken arrangement if necessary.
6
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking for doneness; the skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the meat should easily pull away from the bones.
7
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this chicken recipe?
The recipe is for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic Soy Glaze.
What are the main ingredients required?
The main ingredients are bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, garlic powder, and soy sauce.
How many chicken thighs does the recipe call for?
The recipe uses 8 chicken thighs.
What type of chicken thighs should I buy?
You should use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best results.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the chicken bake?
Bake the chicken for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How much soy sauce is used per piece of chicken?
Drizzle approximately 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce on top of each chicken piece.
Is this chicken recipe breaded?
No, this recipe avoids heavy, greasy breading to let the savory flavors shine through.
Can I use chicken leg quarters instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use either chicken thighs or leg quarters for this recipe.
How should the chicken be arranged in the baking dish?
Arrange the chicken in a single layer, skin side up, with space between each piece.
What is the seasoning process for this dish?
Evenly sprinkle garlic powder over the chicken and then drizzle with soy sauce.
Why is it important to leave space between the chicken pieces?
Leaving space between the pieces ensures even cooking and crispier skin.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the meat easily pulls away from the bones.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, this dish is a hit among both children and adults due to its simple and delicious flavor.
Can this recipe be scaled for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily scale the recipe for larger gatherings or cozy family dinners.
How can I serve the leftovers?
Leftovers are tasty whether they are served cold or warmed up.
What should I avoid when shopping for chicken?
Avoid 'enhanced' chicken varieties, which can alter the flavor and cause reactions for some people.
What brand of soy sauce is recommended?
Kikkoman is suggested, though you can use your preferred brand.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a Chinese restaurant dish that featured a savory garlic soy profile.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are only 3 ingredients: chicken, garlic powder, and soy sauce.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A large shallow baking dish is recommended.
Does this recipe use dark meat or white meat?
This recipe uses dark meat, specifically thighs or leg quarters.
Is the garlic used fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for garlic powder to be used as seasoning.
How much total soy sauce is needed for 8 thighs?
You will need a total of 4 teaspoons of soy sauce.
What makes the chicken skin crispy?
The slow baking process allows the skin to cook to a delightful crisp while rendering natural juices.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a simple yet delicious dish.
What should I check for during the baking process?
Check for doneness and ensure the skin is reaching a golden brown color.
Does the recipe require a specific preparation for the garlic?
The garlic powder should be used to taste and sprinkled evenly over each piece.
Is this a good meal for leftovers?
Yes, the recipe specifically notes that leftovers are just as tasty the next day.