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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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