Asian-Marinated Baked Chicken

Name: Asian-Marinated Baked Chicken
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 13 h 30 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar; 3 tablespoons peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger (from 1 [3- to 4-inch] piece); 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (from about 5 medium cloves); 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, or a combination of all three

Marinating Chicken Dinner Main Dish Christmas Asian Roasting Potluck Healthy Soy Sauce Ginger Chicken Thighs Brown Sugar Weeknight Dinner Poultry Easy

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4 to 6 servings Easy

Total: 1 hr 30 mins, plus at least 12 hrs marinating time

94 Ratings

Ingredients (7)

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger (from 1 [3- to 4-inch] piece)
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (from about 5 medium cloves)
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, or a combination of all three

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Nutritional Information

Calories645
Fat33.79g
Saturated fat8.73g
Trans fat0.16g
Carbs17.3g
Fiber0.54g
Sugar13.57g
Protein64.4g
Cholesterol312.98mg
Sodium2116.41mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (4 servings) Powered by

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Spending a few minutes preparing a handful of ingredients for a marinade gives this dish tons of flavor, plus the bonus of a built-in sauce after the chicken is cooked. Just combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a little brown sugar in a baking dish, add the chicken, and let it marinate in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to cook it, put the whole dish in the oven, and in 40 minutes you’ll have crispy, saucy, flavorful chicken. (Note: If you’re using a glass or ceramic baking dish, do not skip step 3 where you bring it up to room temperature before baking, or else your dish could crack!) Serve with rice and a quick vegetable side dish.

Game plan: If you’re using chicken breasts for this recipe, cut them in half crosswise before putting them in the marinade so they’ll cook at the same rate as the rest of the chicken pieces.

For more Asian-inspired, easy chicken dishes, see our teriyaki chicken recipe. Or get more marinades for chicken if you want another way to flavor it.

by Amy Wisniewski

Tips for Chicken and Christmas

Tip

How to Store Chicken

Raw or cooked chicken can be stored in a refrigerator for a few days, though it’s important to prevent raw chicken juices from leaking and contaminating other foods. Ensure that chicken remains in its original packaging (which should be vacuum-sealed or tightly-wrapped) until it is ready to be cooked.

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Next: How to Freeze Chicken

Tip

How to Freeze Chicken

While freezing will make your chicken less tender and juicy, it is the perfect way to store the family-sized pack you bought at Costco last weekend. Remove the chicken from its original packaging and rewrap it tightly using aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. Double wrap if you are planning to store the chicken for more than two months. Ground chicken can last up to three months in the freezer, while chicken pieces can last up to nine.

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Next: How to Thaw Chicken

Tip

How to Thaw Chicken

You should never thaw chicken at room temperature, as it is highly susceptible to bacteria growth. Frozen chicken should either be thawed in the microwave, in the refrigerator, or in cold water (which should be changed every 30 minutes).

3 of 6

Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

Tip

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

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Next: What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Tip

What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

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Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Tip

How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

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Next: How to Store Chicken

Instructions

1Place everything except the chicken in a 13-by-9-inch broiler-proof baking dish and whisk to combine.
2Lay the chicken in a single layer in the marinade and turn to coat. Cover, refrigerate, and marinate at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours, turning the chicken at least once during the marinating time.
3Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 475°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
4Turn all the chicken pieces skin-side up in the dish (if you’re using drumsticks, just turn to recoat them in the marinade). Bake until the chicken is starting to turn a dark brown color, about 40 minutes.
5Set the oven to broil and broil until the chicken skin is crisped, about 3 to 5 minutes more. Serve with the sauce on the side.