Savory 3-Ingredient Baked Teriyaki Chicken
This Savory 3-Ingredient Baked Teriyaki Chicken is an incredibly easy and budget-friendly dish that captures the rich flavors of traditional Teriyaki in just a few simple steps. Using only three ingredients alongside your choice of chicken pieces—such as succulent thighs and juicy drumsticks—this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of sweet orange soda and savory soy sauce creates a delightful glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, making it a sure hit for the whole family. Serve it over fluffy rice and pair with some crisp edamame beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
6
Servings
300
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
3 lbs (Use frozen or thawed, bone-in or boneless.)
Orange Soda
12 ounces (Do not use diet; it won't caramelize properly.)
Soy Sauce
1/4 cup (Use low-sodium if preferred.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Adjust to taste.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large baking dish (11' x 13'), combine the frozen or thawed chicken, soy sauce, and orange soda.
3
Sprinkle the salt evenly over the chicken to enhance the flavor.
4
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture while cooking.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of chicken used. Boneless chicken breasts will cook faster than bone-in thighs and legs.
6
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
7
Once done, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the chicken to caramelize and develop a nice glaze.
8
Serve the Teriyaki chicken over a bed of rice and accompany with boiled edamame beans for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
38g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three main ingredients for this baked teriyaki chicken?
The three main ingredients are 3 lbs of chicken thighs, 12 ounces of orange soda, and 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
Can I use diet orange soda for this recipe?
No, it is recommended not to use diet orange soda as it will not caramelize properly to create the glaze.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken typically takes 20 to 45 minutes to bake, depending on whether you are using boneless or bone-in pieces.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either frozen or thawed chicken pieces.
Should the baking dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time to help retain moisture.
How do I get the chicken to caramelize?
Remove the aluminum foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to develop into a nice glaze.
What size baking dish is needed?
An 11 inch by 13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the chicken over fluffy rice with a side of boiled edamame beans.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce can be used if you prefer to reduce the salt content.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this easy 3-ingredient chicken is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 38 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this chicken provide?
This recipe provides 30 grams of protein per serving.
What role does the orange soda play?
The orange soda provides sweetness and sugar that helps create a savory teriyaki-style glaze when combined with soy sauce.
Is salt required for this recipe?
While the main flavor comes from the soda and soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used to enhance the flavor.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, though they will cook faster than bone-in thighs or legs.
Is this a budget-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is specifically described as an incredibly easy and budget-friendly dish.
Can I use chicken drumsticks?
Yes, succulent thighs and juicy drumsticks are both mentioned as excellent choices for this recipe.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Asian cuisine and teriyaki-style cooking.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
According to the nutritional information provided, this recipe does not contain significant fiber.
How do I prepare the salt for this recipe?
The salt should be sprinkled evenly over the chicken to enhance the flavor and can be adjusted to taste.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
While the specific sugar count isn't listed, the orange soda serves as the primary sugar source for the glaze.
Can I use this for a family meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and is designed to be a hit with the whole family.
Does the recipe require any complex preparation?
No, it is a simple 3-ingredient recipe (plus salt) that involves mostly combining ingredients and baking.
What should I check before removing the chicken from the oven?
You should use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is there a specific way to arrange the chicken in the dish?
The instructions imply combining the chicken, soy sauce, and soda directly in the baking dish for simplicity.