Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 to 5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)
Marinade
- ¾ cup coconut aminos*
- 2/3 cup unsweetened ketchup
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a measuring cup or bowl, thoroughly mix the coconut aminos, unsweetened ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sea salt until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs into a large bowl, Tupperware container, or zip lock bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Stir or toss well so that all pieces are evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap, seal the container, or zip the bag closed, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes; longer marination (several hours) is ideal to maximize flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, set your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C) ensuring it reaches temperature before baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a casserole dish, roasting pan, or rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Transfer the marinated chicken thighs and all marinade into the dish, spreading them out into a single layer for even cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the dish in the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This will cook the chicken through and begin caramelizing the marinade.
- Baste and Broil: Remove the chicken from the oven carefully and use a spoon or brush to baste the thighs with the accumulated juices and sauce from the pan. Switch your oven to the high broil setting and move the chicken to the third shelf from the top. Broil for 6 to 8 minutes, watching closely, until the chicken develops a crispy, caramelized surface but does not burn.
- Rest the Chicken: Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat when sliced.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve alongside your favorite sides such as steamed white rice or coconut rice, fresh pineapple slices, chopped green onions, and coleslaw for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Coconut aminos is a soy sauce alternative made from fermented coconut sap, adding a slightly sweet and umami flavor.
- Watch the chicken carefully while broiling to prevent burning.
- This recipe works well with chicken breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with Hawaiian-inspired sides like pineapple or coleslaw to complement the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free