Crispy Soy Sauce-Marinated Chicken Thighs

When it comes to weeknight dinners, finding a dish that is both easy to prepare and delicious can be a challenge. Enter Crispy Chicken Thighs with Soy Sauce! These tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a savory soy sauce blend and coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs are here to solve your dinner dilemma. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they also bake to golden perfection, leading to a satisfying meal in no time.

Pair these chicken thighs with noodles or roasted potatoes to round out the meal. The rich umami flavors of the marinade complement a side of soft noodles or fluffy, roasted potatoes beautifully. Let’s explore how to create these incredible chicken thighs that are sure to impress!

Ingredients You'll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt & black pepper (just a pinch of salt will do, considering the saltiness of soy sauce)

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating is key to achieving deliciously flavored chicken thighs. Not only does it add flavor, but it also tenderizes the meat.

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are combined.

   
   

2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat each piece thoroughly. Transfer everything to a zip-top bag for better flavor sealing, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.

   
   

This marination time allows the rich umami flavors from the soy sauce and garlic to absorb into the chicken, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Prepping for Baking

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare for baking.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F). Preheating ensures your chicken starts cooking at the right temperature for that crispy crust.

   
   

2. Prepare the panko coating: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and consider seasoning them with a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.

   
   

3. Coat the chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they adhere well.

   
   

4. Arrange on a baking tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Space the breaded chicken thighs apart on the tray to ensure even cooking.

   
   

Baking to Crispy Perfection

Now, it's time for baking!

1. Bake the chicken: Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, ensuring the thighs are cooked through.

   
   

2. Flip midway: To achieve an even golden color and crispy texture, flip the chicken thighs halfway through the baking process.

   
   

When finished, the breadcrumbs should be golden brown. The chicken should be juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.

Crispy baked chicken thighs coated in panko breadcrumbs, served with noodles

Pairing Suggestions

Once your crispy chicken thighs are perfectly baked, it's time to serve.

These chicken thighs pair excellently with various sides:

• Noodles: Toss cooked noodles with soy sauce or a hint of sesame oil and garnish with green onions for a simple yet satisfying side dish.

  
  

• Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier option, roast potato wedges alongside the chicken for a complete meal. Just season them with your favorite spices and let the oven do the work.

  
  

Feel free to add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to enhance the meal's nutrition and add color to your plate.

Enjoy your meal!