Sesame Teriyaki Chicken Thighs (Grill, Broiler, or Air Fryer)

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Sneak Preview: Boneless chicken thighs marinated in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, then grilled, broiled, or air-fried. Plan 10 minutes of prep plus marinating time.

sesame teriyaki chicken thighs grilledPin

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When it’s just the two of us and I don’t want a sink full of dishes, these sesame teriyaki chicken thighs are one of my regulars. I mix the marinade in minutes, cook the chicken however the Texas weather allows, and count on the leftovers for rice bowls or tacos the next day—because recipes that stretch into another meal always feel like a win.

  • Readers Say…

    “This is our go-to grilled chicken recipe for dinner parties. We like to serve it with baked potatoes.” —J & B

Ingredients & Substitutions

Shows ingredients needed to make this recipe.Pin

SOY SAUCE: Use tamari or coconut aminos for low-sodium or gluten-free options

DARK BROWN SUGAR: Adds richness; substitute light brown sugar for a milder flavor

DRY SHERRY: Adds complexity; see substitution ideas

RICE VINEGAR: Essential for teriyaki; substitute with apple cider vinegar

GARLIC CLOVES: Fresh is best; jarred garlic works in a pinch

FRESH GINGER: Use fresh, not powdered

DRIED RED PEPPER FLAKES: Adds heat; substitute cayenne pepper if needed

CHICKEN THIGHS: Use boneless, skinless for juiciness; substitute breasts (sliced/pounded).

SESAME SEEDS: Garnish only; sub with black sesame or “Everything but the Bagel” mix

CHIVES, SCALLIONS, OR PARSLEY: Optional garnish; use based on preference

How to Make Sesame Teriyaki Chicken Marinade

⬇️ Jump to the recipe below for exact amounts and detailed instructions.

pouring soy sauce into a medium bowl.Pin
Mix marinade
adding the spices to the teriyaki marinadePin
Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper
Whisking marinade.Pin
Whisk until smooth
pouring marinade into a bag with chicken thighsPin
Add chicken to marinade
Marinading chicken in ziplock bagPin
Marinate
Draining marinade from the raw chicken.Pin
Drain
Laying thighs on the grill with the smooth side down.Pin
Grill
Flip thighs and brush with marinade.Pin
Flip and baste
Sprinkle with sesame seeds.Pin
Sprinkle with sesame
Garnish with chives or parsley.Pin
Garnish and serve

Tips That Make a Difference

• Cook marinade before basting: Microwave until boiling to make it safe and slightly thick.
• Use a thermometer: Chicken thighs are best at 170°F for tender meat.
• Adjust marinating time: Thighs overnight OK; breasts 6–8 hours max.
• Line broiler pan with foil: Teriyaki sauce burns quickly.

sliced teriyaki chicken thighs ready to eat on a black plate.Pin
Yield: 6 servings

Sesame Teriyaki Chicken Thighs (Grill, Broiler, or Air Fryer)

By Paula Rhodes
Sesame teriyaki chicken thighs cooked on the grill, broiler, or air fryer. Good hot—and even better the next day.
5 from 4 votes
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Video

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
marinating time: 8 hours
Total time: 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • ⅓ cup (77 g) soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons (36 g) dark brown sugar firmly packed
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) dry sherry
  • 3 tablespoons (48 g) rice vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves crushed or minced
  • 1½ teaspoons fresh ginger finely grated
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 8 4-oz. (227 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1-2 tablespoons sesame seeds toasting is optional

Instructions

Marinade

  • Whisk together in a medium bowl: ⅓ cup (77 g) soy sauce, 3 tablespoons (36 g) dark brown sugar, 3 tablespoons (45 g) dry sherry, 3 tablespoons (48 g) rice vinegar, 3 garlic cloves, 1½ teaspoons fresh ginger, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
  • Pour the marinade into a gallon-size plastic zippered bag or large bowl with the 8 4-oz. (227 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour or as long as all day.

Grilling Chicken Thighs (See recipe notes for air fryer or broiler instructions)

  • Preheat your grill to 400-425˚F (200-220˚C). Drain the teriyaki sauce from the chicken into a microwave-safe 4-cup measuring cup.
  • Cook the reserved teriyaki sauce in a microwave for 4-5 minutes. The sauce will boil and cook down a bit.
  • Arrange the chicken thighs on a hot grill with the smooth side down. Cook until the bottom browns, about 6-8 minutes. Turn the chicken thighs, brush the marinade over the top, and grill for another 6-8 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 170˚F (77˚C).
  • Sprinkle the thighs with 1-2 tablespoons sesame seeds and remove from the grill. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or chives, if desired.

Notes

Freezing: Double-wrap cooked chicken and freeze up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container and eat within 3–4 days.
Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F, turning halfway, until chicken reaches 170°F.
Broiler: Broil on a foil-lined sheet 6–8 minutes per side, basting with cooked marinade near the end; broil briefly to brown.

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 858mg | Potassium: 426mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 61IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

5-Star Ratings Are My Favorite!Help others find this recipe in search results on the web.

Use leftover chicken…

Final Thoughts

Good flavor, simple cleanup, and leftovers that don’t feel like leftovers—that’s my definition of kitchen success. I hope this recipe earns a spot in your regular rotation like it has in ours.

— Paula, Home Economist
Homemade Food Worth Sharing

Need help troubleshooting?
Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com — photos help!

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Paula Rhodes, Owner and Author Salad in a Jar

Paula Rhodes, Home Economist & Owner

As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to prove that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my favorite ways to do that.

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5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. Carla @ Foodie Digital says:

    5 stars
    I’m still dreaming about this tangy, salty, delicious chicken thigh recipe! I think the dark brown sugar does indeed make a big difference to the end result. Great trick on microwaving the marinade for basting too!

    Reply

    1. Hi Carla,

      I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment about your experience!

      Reply