Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
A simple yet flavorful recipe for tender grilled chicken thighs, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. With a delicious homemade teriyaki marinade and optional glaze, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!
Equipment
- Grill
- Zip-top bag or shallow dish
- Small Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 0.5 cup hot water
- 3 tablespoons packed Brown Sugar Sweetener
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.5 tablespoon minced garlic
- 0.5 tablespoon ginger paste or freshly chopped ginger
For the Chicken and Glaze
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- sesame seeds for garnish
- sliced green onions for garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for optional thicker glaze slurry
- 2 tablespoons water for cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Whip up the Marinade: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the hot water and brown sugar sweetener, stirring until it fully dissolves. Then, mix in the low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger until everything is well blended. This creates your simple yet flavorful teriyaki marinade!
- Marinate for Flavor: Place the chicken thighs into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the delicious teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for up to 48 hours for even deeper flavor.
- Grill to Perfection: When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat (around 500°F). Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Make sure to set aside the remaining marinade if you plan to make a glaze, or discard it if not used. Place the chicken thighs directly on the hot grill grates. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until beautiful grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (for extra tender thighs, aiming for 185°F is ideal).
- Make a Simple Glaze: Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. This ensures the glaze is safe to consume. For an even thicker glaze, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. Spoon this delicious, cooked-down glaze over your grilled chicken just before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish your healthy grilled teriyaki chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and freshness. It’s wonderfully satisfying and pairs beautifully with a side of grilled pineapple!
Notes
This recipe is wonderfully satisfying and pairs beautifully with a side of grilled pineapple!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 128
- Total Carbs: 1g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 20g
