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Sweet and Savory Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe


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4.1 from 81 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich blend of brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce. This recipe creates a caramelized, flavorful glaze that makes the chicken wonderfully sticky and irresistible, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or casual gathering.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade & Sauce

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved, creating a smooth mixture.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to enhance flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the chicken marinates. This temperature helps to evenly cook the chicken and caramelize the brown sugar glaze.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down to sear for about 5 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and briefly sear the other side for 2 minutes.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Pour the remaining marinade from the dish into the skillet around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Glaze and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and baste it with the pan juices to enhance the sticky glaze. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
  • For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or rice to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing to ensure a crispy skin.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American