Juicy, savory, and packed with that glossy sweet-salty finish everyone loves, these Delicious Bone In Teriyaki Chicken Thighs turn a simple dinner into something that feels a little special. The bone helps keep the meat tender while it cooks, and the teriyaki glaze clings to every curve of the chicken for bold flavor in every bite.
This is the kind of meal that works on a busy weeknight but still feels worthy of serving to guests. Pair it with rice, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad, and you have a dependable chicken dinner that tastes like you put in far more effort than you really did.
Why Are Bone In Teriyaki Chicken Thighs So Flavorful?
Bone in chicken thighs naturally stay moist and rich while cooking, which makes them a great choice for teriyaki. As the chicken roasts or bakes, the skin turns beautifully golden and the sauce thickens into a sticky coating. That combination of tender dark meat, caramelized edges, and balanced teriyaki flavor gives this dish its irresistible appeal.
Ingredients for the Delicious Bone In Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone in chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced

How To Make the Delicious Bone In Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin brown better and keeps the sauce from sliding off too quickly. Season the thighs lightly with black pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture looks smooth.
Step 3: Sear for Extra Color
Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden and starting to crisp. Turn the chicken over and cook for 2 minutes more.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour most of the teriyaki mixture around the chicken, reserving a few spoonfuls for brushing later if you like a thicker finish. Let it bubble gently for a minute so the flavors begin to blend.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender
Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.
Step 6: Thicken the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water. Remove the chicken once done and place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the thickened teriyaki glaze over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Serving and Storing Delicious Bone In Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Serve these chicken thighs hot with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a simple cucumber salad. The sauce is especially good spooned over rice, so make sure none of it goes to waste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless thighs work well, but they may cook faster. Start checking them around the 18 to 22 minute mark.
Do I have to sear the chicken first?
No, but searing adds better color and gives the skin a more appetizing texture. It also builds flavor before baking.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
You can reduce the brown sugar or honey slightly if you prefer a more savory teriyaki flavor.
What should I serve with Delicious Bone In Teriyaki Chicken Thighs?
Rice, stir-fried vegetables, roasted carrots, snap peas, or a light slaw all pair nicely with this dish.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer and make sure the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking, or cook it fully and reheat it later.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If this teriyaki chicken hits the spot, you may also enjoy a few other comforting meals from Nina Dishes:
- Marry Me Chicken for a rich and creamy skillet dinner.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts when you want something silky and comforting.
- One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for an easy family-friendly meal.
- Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken if you want dinner ready with less hands-on cooking.
- Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe for a sweet and savory dinner with a tropical feel.
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And let me know how your Delicious Bone In Teriyaki Chicken Thighs turned out. Did you make the glaze extra thick? Did you serve it over rice or noodles? Maybe you added a little heat with red pepper flakes.
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Delicious Bone In Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Juicy, savory, and coated in a glossy homemade glaze, these Delicious Bone In Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for an easy dinner with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
6 bone in chicken thighs
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with black pepper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin side down for 4 to 5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 2 minutes more.
4. Pour the teriyaki sauce around the chicken and let it simmer for 1 minute.
5. Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
6. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place the skillet over medium heat. Stir in the slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
For crispier skin, make sure the chicken is very dry before searing.
Use low sodium soy sauce so the glaze stays balanced and not too salty.
Let the sauce thicken fully before returning the chicken so it clings better to each piece.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: bone in teriyaki chicken thighs, teriyaki chicken, baked chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner
