There’s something irresistibly satisfying about Sticky Korean-Style Chicken Thighs (Oven). The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors clings to tender, juicy chicken thighs, delivering an unforgettable meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. This recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs baked in the oven to achieve a crispy exterior with a sticky, caramelized glaze that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re new to Korean-inspired cooking or just looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this dish is a must-try.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Flavor-packed: A harmonious blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger creates an addictive sauce.
Easy to make: Oven-baked chicken thighs require minimal hands-on time and cleanup.
Perfectly sticky: Honey and sesame oil combine to give a luscious, glossy finish.
Customizable heat: Sriracha adds a gentle kick but can be omitted or adjusted to your preference.
Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste just as good the next day.

Ingredient Breakdown

2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on: The skin crisps up beautifully, and the bones add flavor and moisture.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides the essential salty umami base typical in Korean dishes. Use low-sodium if preferred.
1/4 cup honey: Gives the dish its signature sticky sweetness and helps with caramelization.
2 tablespoons sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the garlic and ginger.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings pungency and depth.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a zesty warmth and brightens the sauce.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional): Adds heat and complexity, but omit if you want it milder.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted and sprinkled on top for an extra crunch and flavor.
2 green onions, sliced: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion bite.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season the chicken perfectly.

Prep & Cook Tools

Large mixing bowl: For marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
Baking sheet or roasting pan: Use a rimmed pan to catch drips and ensure even cooking.
Wire rack (optional): Elevates chicken for crispier skin by allowing air circulation.
Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
Grater or microplane: To finely grate fresh ginger.
Sharp knife and cutting board: For mincing garlic and slicing green onions.

Step-by-Step: Sticky Korean-Style Chicken Thighs (Oven)

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. This sticky Korean-style sauce will coat the chicken and infuse it with bold flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to ensure each piece is fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor absorption.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet and arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the rack to help crisp the skin.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the marinated chicken thighs onto the prepared baking sheet. Reserve the leftover marinade. Bake for 25 minutes, then baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance stickiness and flavor.

Step 5: Broil for Extra Crispiness

Switch the oven to broil on high. Broil the chicken thighs for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning, until the skin is crispy and the sauce is caramelized and sticky.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Make It Year-Round

Summer: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or chilled kimchi for a refreshing contrast.
Fall: Pair with roasted root vegetables or a warm grain bowl featuring farro or quinoa.
Winter: Add a side of steamed rice and sautéed greens to warm you up.
Spring: Complement with fresh steamed asparagus or snap peas for a light touch.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

Chicken not crispy enough? Make sure to pat the skin dry before marinating and use a wire rack to let air circulate. Broiling at the end also helps crisp the skin.
Sauce too sweet? Adjust by reducing honey or increasing rice vinegar for more tang.
Chicken undercooked? Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Sauce too thin? Simmer leftover marinade on the stove until it thickens before basting.

Best Ways to Store

Store leftover sticky Korean-style chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the skin soggy. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken thighs without garnish for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Questions People Ask

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce baking time to about 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, and broil briefly to crisp the skin or edges.

Is there a substitute for soy sauce?

If you need a soy-free alternative, tamari works well and has a similar flavor profile. Coconut aminos is another option but is slightly sweeter and less salty, so adjust the honey accordingly.

How spicy is this recipe with sriracha?

The sriracha adds a mild to moderate heat depending on your tolerance. You can easily omit it for no spice or add more if you prefer a fiery kick. It’s fully customizable.

What sides pair best with these chicken thighs?

This dish goes wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables, or even a simple green salad. For inspiration, try this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Orzo or the flavorful Smoky Paprika Chicken Rotini Skillet for more chicken thigh ideas.

Final Bite

Sticky Korean-Style Chicken Thighs (Oven) bring the magic of Korean flavors to your kitchen without the fuss. The sticky glaze, tender meat, and crispy skin create a mouthwatering combination that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Give it a try, and watch it become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.

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