Name: Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken: 8 Amazing Bites
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black pepper; 1/2 cup Soy sauce; 1/4 cup Brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Honey; 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon Ginger (fresh, grated); 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon Sesame oil; 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (toasted, optional garnish); 2 tablespoons Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

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Juicy baked teriyaki chicken has a special place in my heart, reminding me of cozy family dinners where the aroma alone would make your mouth water. I remember my mom making this for us on busy weeknights, and the way that sticky glaze would caramelize in the oven was pure magic. It’s so simple to make, and I’ve found that this easy baked teriyaki chicken recipe is always a huge hit, whether I’m serving it to my family or friends. If you’ve ever wondered how to make juicy baked teriyaki chicken that’s incredibly moist and flavorful, you’re in the right place! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Incredible sweet and savory flavor that everyone adores.
Super quick prep time makes it perfect for weeknights.
A healthier alternative to takeout with lean protein.
Budget-friendly ingredients make it an economical choice.
This easy baked teriyaki chicken is a guaranteed family pleaser.
Minimal cleanup thanks to simple baking methods.
The marinated baked teriyaki chicken is incredibly tender.
This easy baked teriyaki chicken recipe is foolproof!

Ingredients for Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delicious teriyaki chicken experience. The base of our amazing glaze starts with 1/2 cup soy sauce, providing that essential salty and umami foundation. We’ll balance it with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons honey for that signature sweet and sticky finish. For robust flavor, you’ll need 4 cloves garlic (minced) and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated) – these aromatics are key to that complex teriyaki taste. A touch of 2 tablespoons rice vinegar adds a pleasant tang, while 1 tablespoon sesame oil brings a nutty depth. Don’t forget to pat your 8 pieces chicken drumsticks completely dry before marinating; this helps the glaze adhere beautifully and promotes crispier skin. Season them simply with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. For garnish, have 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, optional) and 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional) ready.

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How to Make Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial for getting that beautiful caramelized glaze. Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, or place a wire rack on the baking sheet for even cooking and crispier skin.
Step 2: While the oven heats, whisk together the teriyaki marinade ingredients in a medium bowl: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined. The aroma of the ginger and garlic will already start to smell amazing!
Step 3: Pat your 8 pieces chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. This step is super important for getting a good sear and allowing the marinade to stick. Season them generously with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
Step 4: Place the seasoned drumsticks into a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared teriyaki marinade over them, ensuring each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the absolute best flavor in your oven baked teriyaki chicken thighs, let them marinate for a few hours or even overnight.
Step 5: Arrange the marinated chicken drumsticks in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Make sure they aren’t overlapping so they can cook evenly. Reserve any leftover marinade in the bowl – this is liquid gold for basting!
Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes. About every 10 minutes, brush the drumsticks with the reserved teriyaki glaze. This basting process builds up that wonderfully sticky, sweet, and savory coating. You’ll see the glaze start to bubble and caramelize, creating that perfect tender baked teriyaki chicken texture.
Step 7: Continue baking until the skin is deeply golden brown and caramelized, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The smell in your kitchen will be incredible!
Step 8: Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest on a clean plate for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite of your marinated baked teriyaki chicken is moist and flavorful. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like, and serve your perfectly baked teriyaki chicken hot.

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Pro Tips for the Best Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Want to elevate your teriyaki chicken game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference. These simple tips will ensure your baked teriyaki chicken is always a showstopper!

Patting the chicken completely dry before marinating is crucial for that sticky glaze and helps achieve a crispier skin.
Using a wire rack on your baking sheet allows air to circulate, promoting even cooking and caramelization on all sides of the chicken.
Don’t be afraid to let the chicken marinate for longer – the extra time really deepens the flavor of your homemade teriyaki baked chicken.
Basting frequently during baking builds up those delicious layers of sweet and savory goodness.

What’s the secret to perfect juicy baked teriyaki chicken?

The real secret to achieving that perfect, moist baked teriyaki chicken lies in the marinade and the basting. Ensuring your chicken is well-marinated and then frequently brushed with the glaze during baking creates that signature sticky, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside incredibly tender and flavorful.

Can I make juicy baked teriyaki chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just ensure it’s covered tightly. This makes preparing a quick baked teriyaki chicken dinner even easier on busy nights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with juicy baked teriyaki chicken?

A common pitfall is overcrowding the pan, which leads to steaming instead of baking. Always arrange the chicken in a single layer. Another mistake is under-marinating; give it at least 30 minutes, or ideally longer, for the best flavor in your flavorful baked teriyaki chicken. For more information on proper food handling and safety, you can refer to resources from the FDA.

Best Ways to Serve Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

This sweet and savory baked teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic weeknight meal, I love serving it alongside fluffy steamed rice to soak up all that delicious glaze. Steamed broccoli or crisp green beans are also fantastic complements, adding a fresh, vibrant element to the plate. You could also try it with some stir-fried noodles for a more complete Asian-inspired feast. The rich, caramelized flavor of the chicken makes it a perfect centerpiece for any meal!

Nutrition Facts for Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious glazed baked teriyaki chicken. Keep in mind these are approximate values, as exact amounts can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.

Calories: 220 kcal
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Protein: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 700 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Leftovers of this delicious juicy baked teriyaki chicken are fantastic, making it perfect for planning a quick baked teriyaki chicken dinner later in the week. Once the chicken has cooled completely to room temperature, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your oven baked teriyaki chicken again, the best way to reheat it is in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or even in the microwave, though the oven method tends to preserve the texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

What makes this the best baked teriyaki chicken?

Many people find this recipe to be the best baked teriyaki chicken because it balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors perfectly. The combination of honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a rich, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while the drumsticks stay wonderfully moist and tender.

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of drumsticks for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken thighs or breasts for the drumsticks. If using breasts, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly, as they can cook a bit faster. For thighs, the cooking time will be very similar to drumsticks. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. For more information on safe internal temperatures for poultry, consult resources on USDA food safety guidelines.

How do I get a really crispy skin on my juicy baked teriyaki chicken?

For the crispiest skin, make sure you pat your chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels before marinating. Additionally, baking on a wire rack set inside your baking sheet allows air to circulate all around the chicken, helping the skin crisp up nicely. Don’t skip that basting, but try to get some of the glaze onto the skin itself.

What sides pair well with this teriyaki chicken baked with soy sauce?

This flavorful baked teriyaki chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Asian-inspired sides. Steamed white or brown rice is a must for soaking up the delicious glaze. Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers add color and crunch. For something a little different, consider a refreshing cucumber salad or some sesame noodles.

Variations of Juicy Baked Teriyaki Chicken You Can Try

While this teriyaki chicken drumsticks baked recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! If you’re looking for a lighter option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster than drumsticks. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to your marinade. You could also try grilling instead of baking for a smoky flavor, or even using a slow cooker for a super hands-off approach. Experimenting with different garnishes like toasted cashews or a sprinkle of furikake can also add exciting new textures and tastes to your homemade teriyaki baked chicken. For more tips on cooking techniques, you might find resources on food preparation helpful.