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Japanese BBQ Chicken Thighs

Delicious Japanese BBQ Chicken Thighs for Quick Weeknight Dinners

These Japanese BBQ Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 17 minutes
Servings: 4 thighs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs Tender and juicy, they absorb the marinade beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Enhances umami flavors; Kikkoman Less Sodium recommended.
For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup Japanese BBQ Sauce Adds authentic flavor; Bachan's is recommended.
  • 2 tbsp Sriracha Provides heat; adjust to your spice tolerance.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced adds depth.
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Freshly grated enhances aroma and flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil Adds a nutty essence.
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Flakes Optional for extra kick.
  • 1 tsp Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For Garnishing
  • 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds Toasted for crunch.
  • 2 tbsp Green Onions Finely chopped for garnish.
Optional Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Yum Yum Sauce For serving on the side.

Equipment

  • grill
  • Large bowl or resealable bag
  • instant-read thermometer
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or up to 8 hours.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium heat (375-400°F) about 15 minutes before grilling.
  3. Mince green onions and set aside. In a dry skillet, toast sesame seeds until golden brown, stirring frequently.
  4. Grill chicken thighs for 10-12 minutes, flipping every 2-3 minutes. Brush on additional BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes.
  5. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
  6. Transfer grilled chicken to a platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with yum yum sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1thighCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, marinate longer and rest chicken before serving. Adjust spice levels based on preference.

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