Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thigh Recipe

This Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe brings together the rich and savory flavors of traditional Asian cuisine with the tender, juicy texture of chicken thighs. The homemade glaze, infused with soy sauce, ginger, and honey, enhances the chicken's flavor, while the bok choy adds a refreshing crunch. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

Photos of Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are mostly pantry staples, but if you're unfamiliar with bok choy, it's a type of Chinese cabbage that's widely used in Asian cuisine. It's typically available in the produce section of most supermarkets. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with another leafy green like spinach or kale. The same goes for rice wine vinegar and sesame oil, which can be found in the Asian section of your grocery store.

Ingredients for Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs: The star of the show. Using thighs ensures a juicy, flavorful meal as they tend to be more tender than other cuts.

Rice wine vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the chicken.

Soy sauce: Gives a savory, umami flavor. If you're watching your sodium intake, you can use a low-sodium version.

Honey: It adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory and tangy flavors.

Brown sugar: Another layer of sweetness to complement the soy sauce.

Sesame oil: Provides a subtle nutty, roasted flavor that's essential in many Asian dishes.

Garlic cloves: A kitchen staple that gives a robust flavor.

Ginger: Adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Baby bok choy: A leafy green that adds a refreshing crunch and a dose of nutrients.

Green onions: Adds a pop of color and a slight oniony flavor.

One reader, Korrie Creel says:

This simple Asian glazed chicken thighs recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the dish is so easy to prepare. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, and the glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It's a definite winner for any dinner table!

Korrie Creel

Cooking Techniques for Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

How to prepare the sauce: Whisk together the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

How to bake the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs into an ovenproof pan or baking dish, then pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is evenly coated. Bake at 425 degrees F for 30 minutes, then turn the thighs and continue baking until the skin begins to brown.

How to grill the chicken thighs: Change the oven settings to grill/broil on medium heat and grill the chicken thighs until the skin turns a deep golden color, which should take about 5 minutes.

How to steam the bok choy: Steam the bok choy to your desired texture while the chicken is baking. This can be done using a steamer basket or a pot with a small amount of water.

How to serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving with the steamed bok choy, shallots/green onion slices, and the remaining sauce.

How To Make Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Have yourself a chicken thigh recipe that will give you a hint of the Asian culinary experience. This dish uses simple ingredients as well.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 55 minutes

Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

6chicken thighs
⅓cuprice wine vinegar
¼cupsoy sauce
3tbsphoney
2tbspbrown sugaror coconut sugar
2tbsppure sesame oil
1tbspgarlic clovescrushed
1tspgingercrushed
2cupof baby bok choyquartered horizontally
1cupgreen onionsor shallots, sliced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Wash chicken thighs and pat dry with a paper towel.
Whisk the vinegar, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger together in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a rolling boil; reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until sauce thickens. Take off heat and allow to cool slightly.
Place chicken thighs into an ovenproof pan/skillet or baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, rotating each thigh until evenly covered. Rotate the chicken to be skin side down, and bake for 30 minutes.
Turn thighs and continue to bake until beginning to brown on the skin. At this point, start steaming your bok choy to your desired texture.
Change oven settings to grill/broil on medium heat and grill until the skin changes to deep golden in colour (about 5 minutes).
Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes. Serve with the steamed bok choy, shallots/green onion slices and remaining sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 527.08kcal
Fat: 36.71g
Saturated Fat: 9.39g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.21g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.63g
Carbohydrates: 14.65g
Fiber: 0.68g
Sugar: 12.13g
Protein: 33.29g
Cholesterol: 189.14mg
Sodium: 745.20mg
Calcium: 42.07mg
Potassium: 522.84mg
Iron: 1.83mg
Vitamin A: 54.07µg
Vitamin C: 5.92mg

Expert Advice for Perfecting Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

When preparing the chicken thighs, it's important to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the glaze. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to achieve a beautifully caramelized surface. To do this, use a pastry brush to evenly spread the glaze over the chicken. Also, remember to baste the chicken with the glaze a few times during the baking process. This will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with more flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to allow the flavors to infuse, saving time on the day of cooking.

One pan: Use an ovenproof skillet to both marinate and cook the chicken, minimizing clean-up and saving time.

Multi-task: While the chicken is baking, use that time to prepare the bok choy and green onions, maximizing efficiency in the kitchen.

Organize ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and tools needed before starting to cook, ensuring a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Use kitchen shears: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs using kitchen shears for a quicker and easier preparation process.

Quick steam: Cut the bok choy into smaller pieces for faster steaming, reducing the overall cooking time.

Substitute Ingredients For Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are a suitable substitute for chicken thighs in this recipe as they are also dark meat and will remain moist and flavorful when cooked in the Asian glaze.
rice wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice wine vinegar, providing a similar level of acidity and a slightly fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients in the glaze.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari, a type of soy sauce, can be used as a substitute for regular soy sauce. It has a slightly richer flavor and is gluten-free, making it a suitable alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, providing a similar level of sweetness and adding a hint of caramelized flavor to the glaze.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, offering a similar level of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, while also being less processed.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil, providing a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in the glaze.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a concentrated garlic flavor without the need for mincing or chopping.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a similar flavor and aroma to the dish. Adjust the quantity to taste, as ground ginger is more concentrated than fresh ginger.
baby bok choy - Substitute with napa cabbage: Napa cabbage can be used as a substitute for baby bok choy, providing a similar mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the Asian glaze.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish for the dish.

Plating Ideas for Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, ensure that the chicken thighs are arranged neatly on the plate, with the skin side up to showcase the golden color and crispy texture. Place the steamed bok choy alongside the chicken, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Create visual and textural interest by adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the glazed chicken thighs. This will not only enhance the presentation but also provide a delightful crunch to complement the tender meat and vegetables.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through. Arrange the components thoughtfully, leaving ample space between each element to create a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
Emphasize the glossy glaze: Prior to serving, brush a light coat of the remaining glaze over the chicken thighs to impart a lustrous sheen. This will accentuate the flavors and add a professional touch to the dish, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Consider using a fine dining plating technique by delicately drizzling a swirl of reduced glaze around the edge of the plate. This refined touch adds a sophisticated element to the presentation, elevating the overall dining experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes, providing consistent heat for cooking.
Saucepan: A versatile cooking vessel used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and simmering ingredients.
Paper towel: Used for drying and absorbing excess moisture from ingredients and surfaces.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, incorporating air, and creating a smooth texture.
Ovenproof pan/skillet or baking dish: A heat-resistant pan or dish suitable for use in the oven, ideal for roasting and baking dishes.
Steamer: A cooking tool used for steaming vegetables, meats, and seafood, preserving nutrients and flavors.
Knife: A versatile cutting tool used for preparing and slicing ingredients with precision.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Allow the chicken thighs to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the chicken thighs, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen chicken thighs can be stored for up to 3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on high power.
If you have leftover sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Leftover steamed bok choy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or stir-fry it quickly in a pan with a little oil before serving.

How to Reheat Leftover Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken thighs in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevent it from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can quickly dry out in the microwave.
If you want to crisp up the skin of the chicken thighs, you can reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
For a more flavorful option, you can reheat the chicken thighs in a stir-fry. Heat a small amount of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the leftover chicken thighs and any remaining sauce, and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
If you have a lot of leftover chicken thighs, you can shred the meat and use it in a variety of dishes. Shredded chicken is great in salads, sandwiches, tacos, and soups. Simply reheat the shredded chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, and add it to your favorite dish for a quick and easy meal.

Interesting Trivia About Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

The recipe contains soy sauce, which is a staple in Asian cuisine and adds a rich umami flavor to the dish.

Budget-Friendly: Is This Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe Affordable?

The cost-effectiveness of this Asian glazed chicken thighs recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and commonly found in households. The use of chicken thighs and bok choy makes it a budget-friendly option. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15-20. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8/10 rating. It's a cost-effective and delicious choice for a family meal.

Is This Asian-Inspired Chicken Dish Healthy or Not?

The simple Asian glazed chicken thighs recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to some of its ingredients. Here's an analysis of the recipe:

The recipe uses chicken thighs, which are higher in fat compared to chicken breasts. However, they also provide more flavor and tenderness.
The glaze contains honey and brown sugar, which are sources of added sugars. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes.
Soy sauce is high in sodium, and consuming excessive amounts of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems.
On the positive side, the recipe includes bok choy and green onions, which are nutrient-dense vegetables that provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use skinless chicken thighs or replace them with chicken breasts to reduce the overall fat content.
Reduce the amount of honey and brown sugar in the glaze, or substitute them with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or replace it with coconut aminos, which are lower in sodium and provide a similar umami flavor.
Increase the portion of bok choy and other non-starchy vegetables to boost the dish's nutrient content and fiber.
Serve the chicken with a side of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to add more fiber and nutrients to the meal.
Use a minimal amount of sesame oil, as it is high in calories, and consider replacing some of it with a lighter oil like avocado or olive oil.

Our Editor's Opinion on This Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

This simple Asian glazed chicken thighs recipe is a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a luscious glaze that perfectly coats the tender chicken thighs. The addition of garlic and ginger adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the bok choy and green onions provide a refreshing and vibrant contrast. The cooking method ensures a crispy skin and succulent meat, making it a satisfying and visually appealing dish. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and is sure to impress with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

Enhance Your Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Stir-Fried Broccoli and Mushrooms: Create a flavorful stir-fry with a mix of broccoli and mushrooms, seasoned with a savory sauce and garlic.

Grilled Pineapple and Bell Pepper Skewers: Thread pineapple chunks and bell pepper slices onto skewers and grill until caramelized for a sweet and tangy side dish.

Coconut Rice: Infuse your rice with coconut milk and shredded coconut for a creamy and aromatic accompaniment to the Asian glazed chicken thighs.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: This spicy beef stir-fry is a perfect combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy dish that's sure to satisfy your cravings for a spicy and savory meal.

Mango Chicken Salad: This refreshing mango chicken salad is a delightful mix of juicy mangoes, tender chicken, and crisp greens. The tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the mangoes perfectly.

Coconut Shrimp Curry: Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this coconut shrimp curry. The succulent shrimp and aromatic spices are simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce, creating a dish that's both comforting and exotic.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport your taste buds to the tropics with these crispy coconut shrimp. Dip jumbo shrimp in a light batter, coat with shredded coconut, and fry until golden brown. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of a warm, gooey chocolate lava cake. The contrast between the molten center and the slightly crisp exterior creates a delightful sensory experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Tiramisu: Transport yourself to Italy with a classic tiramisu. Layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in coffee and layered with a creamy mascarpone mixture, topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. This elegant dessert is the perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.

Why trust this Simple Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe:

This recipe offers a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The succulent chicken thighs are glazed with a harmonious mixture of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The aromatic addition of garlic and ginger infuses the dish with depth and complexity. The accompaniment of vibrant baby bok choy and crisp green onions further enhances the dish, providing a wholesome and visually appealing meal. With its meticulous attention to detail and exquisite combination of ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable culinary experience.

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FAQ:

How long should I bake the chicken thighs for?

You should bake the chicken thighs for 30 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, then continue to bake until the skin begins to brown, and finally grill for an additional 5 minutes.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.

Can I substitute the baby bok choy with another vegetable?

Absolutely! You can substitute the baby bok choy with other vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas.

How can I tell if the chicken thighs are cooked through?

You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before using it on the chicken.