Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with tender, juicy chicken, then this Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs recipe is perfect for you. It’s easy to make and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish.

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What is Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs?

Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs are a delectable dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce and brown sugar. The glaze caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, creating a deliciously sticky coating that’s packed with flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.

Ingredients List for Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

To make this delicious chicken dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to customize this recipe:

• Chicken Alternatives: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Soy Sauce Alternatives: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Sweeteners: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
• Spiciness: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for a spicier dish.
• Aromatics: Add a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to create perfectly glazed soy sauce brown sugar chicken thighs:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Set Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs

1. Heat Skillet: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Transfer to Oven: Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken thighs in the skillet.
2. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Rest Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

How to Cook Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when you need to bake the chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken thighs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your delicious glazed chicken thighs!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Marinade: Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing it with flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Overcrowding the Skillet: Ensure the chicken thighs have enough space in the skillet to sear properly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.
• Not Monitoring the Glaze: Keep an eye on the glaze as it can burn quickly due to the sugar content. Adjust the oven temperature if needed to prevent burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs look as good as they taste, consider these serving and presentation tips:

• Plating: Serve the chicken thighs on a large platter for a family-style presentation.
• Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions and a few sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
• Accompaniments: Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

How to Serve Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

Serve these chicken thighs hot from the oven with your favorite side dishes. Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or stir-fried vegetables make excellent accompaniments. A side of steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad also pairs well with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.

Presentation Ideas for Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

For an appealing presentation, use these ideas:

• Serving Platter: Arrange the chicken thighs on a beautiful serving platter, garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds.
• Individual Plates: Plate each chicken thigh individually, adding a portion of rice or vegetables on the side.
• Layering: Place the chicken thighs on a bed of steamed greens or rice for a striking visual effect.

Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality soy sauce and fresh ginger for the best flavor.
• Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight.
• Extra Glaze: Make extra glaze to serve on the side for those who love a saucier dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as they will cook faster than bone-in, skin-on thighs.

Q: Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a slightly different cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Q: What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
A: You can substitute apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

Conclusion

These Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, with a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Follow this guide to create a delicious and visually stunning dish that your family and friends will love. Enjoy!

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