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Garlic-Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

Garlic-Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
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Garlic-Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the savory depth of garlic with the sweet caramelization of brown sugar. This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a crispy skin and a deliciously sticky glaze, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for cooking
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, pour the marinade over them, and make sure each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
  3. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom and get it hot enough to sizzle the chicken skin as soon as it hits the pan.
  4. Cook the Chicken Thighs: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and place thighs skin-side down. Cook without moving for 6–7 minutes until skin turns golden brown and crisp, then flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes.
  5. Add the Reserved Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer as the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Rest and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a plate, spoon over any extra sauce, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in all the juices.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin.
  • Use bone-in thighs for better moisture retention and flavor.
  • Allow the brown sugar sauce to simmer gently for a perfect caramelized glaze.
  • Rest the chicken after cooking to redistribute juices and keep the meat tender.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic chicken, brown sugar chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, savory sweet glaze, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/garlic-brown-sugar-chicken-thighs/