Sweet & Sticky Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

$Here’s what you need for this tasty dish: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium works too) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Green onions, sliced (for garnish) These ingredients create a sweet and savory blend. The brown sugar gives a rich flavor. The soy sauce adds depth. Garlic and ginger boost the taste even more. You can add some extras to enhance the dish: - Sesame seeds for crunch - Fresh cilantro for a herb twist - Sliced bell peppers for color and flavor These extras can make your meal even more appealing. Feel free to mix and match! If you have dietary needs, here are some swaps: - Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breasts for a leaner option. - Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free version. - Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different sweet note. These substitutions keep the dish delicious and friendly for various diets. Always taste as you go to find your perfect flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making a tasty marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. This mix will make your chicken sweet and sticky. Next, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate overnight for more flavor. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, grab a large oven-safe skillet. Heat it over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, but save the marinade for later. Sear the chicken thighs in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown crust to form. This step adds great flavor. After searing, pour the saved marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Now it’s time to bake! Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through. Once done, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. When serving, drizzle some pan sauce over the chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions for extra flavor and color. Enjoy your sweet and sticky brown sugar garlic chicken! To get a great glaze on your chicken, focus on the marinade. The brown sugar adds sweetness and stickiness. Use a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for depth. After searing, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. This creates a rich sauce that makes the dish shine. Baking the chicken helps the glaze caramelize nicely. Marinating is key for flavor. I suggest a minimum of 30 minutes. For best results, marinate overnight. This allows the chicken to soak up all the good flavors. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes can help, but longer is always better. Temperature matters for juicy chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the chicken evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe and perfectly cooked. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing for the best taste. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth: For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered versions will enhance the aroma and taste of your dish significantly. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful when sliced. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to your Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken for extra flavor. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just chop them up and add them to the skillet with the chicken. The veggies will soak up the delicious sauce. This makes your meal colorful and nutritious. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. Start with a half teaspoon and taste as you go. This will give your chicken a nice kick. The sweetness of the brown sugar balances the spice well. It’s a fun twist on the classic recipe. Grilling is another great way to cook this dish. Marinate the chicken as usual, then grill it instead of baking. Cook on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. You’ll get a nice char and smoky flavor. This method is perfect for summer barbecues. After you enjoy your brown sugar garlic chicken, save the leftovers. Place them in an airtight container. Store the chicken in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Reheating is simple. For the best taste, use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Put the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for one to two minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. To freeze, first let the chicken cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This chicken can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. The dish may be less juicy since breasts have less fat. For best results, check for doneness early. To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white with no pink inside. Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken goes well with many sides. Here are some tasty choices: - Steamed jasmine rice - Sautéed vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - A fresh green salad - Stir-fried noodles These sides will balance the sweetness of the chicken. Enjoy your meal! Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a tasty dish with simple steps. You start with key ingredients and optional extras to make it your own. Marinating and searing the chicken helps build flavor. Don’t forget helpful tips for the best glaze and perfect cooking! Explore fun variations like adding veggies or grilling. Storing leftovers is easy, and reheating keeps it delicious. Whether you want a classic or something spicy, this dish is sure to please. Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy making this flavorful meal!$

Sweet & Sticky Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

A deliciously sweet and savory chicken dish with a sticky brown sugar garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish green onions, sliced

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well-combined.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (keep the marinade for later) and sear the chicken thighs in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they have a golden-brown crust.
Once seared, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
To serve, drizzle some of the pan sauce over the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve with steamed jasmine rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword brown sugar, chicken, easy, garlic, sticky