Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering, sticky-sweet chicken recipe that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! These Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs are the perfect blend of crispy, caramelized skin and tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and the marinade is well combined.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Do not move the chicken during this time to ensure proper browning.
- Flip the chicken thighs and pour the prepared brown sugar marinade evenly over the meat, ensuring each thigh is well coated.
- Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Baste the chicken with the pan juices before serving. Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Dry the chicken thoroughly: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that's packed with flavor.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: This allows you to sear and bake in the same pan, maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup.
- Don't rush the searing: Let the chicken skin develop a beautiful golden color without moving it around too much.
- Check internal temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender.
- Optional flavor boosters: Consider garnishing with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra pizzazz.Pro Tip: For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the brown sugar mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking for deeper flavor penetration!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 354kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 22g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
