Sweet & Sticky Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper, to taste - Sliced green onions, for garnish To make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, gather your main ingredients first. Chicken thighs are great for this dish. They stay juicy and tender. Brown sugar adds sweetness. Soy sauce gives it a nice salty kick. Minced garlic and grated ginger bring bold flavors to the mix. Next, consider your seasoning and garnish. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. A splash of apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to boost taste. Finally, sliced green onions will make your dish pop with color and freshness. They add a nice crunch. With these ingredients, you will create a sweet and sticky chicken that everyone will love. Enjoy the process of mixing and cooking with these simple yet tasty items! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium bowl. In it, combine these ingredients: - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Whisk them together well. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This step is key for a smooth sauce that coats the chicken evenly. Next, take your chicken thighs. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor to the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. This allows the chicken to soak up all the yummy flavors. Now, let’s cook! First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready when the chicken is done marinating. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and set it aside. Sear the chicken thighs in the hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden-brown crust. After searing, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet. This creates a tasty sauce as it bakes. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Once done, take the skillet out. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the meat tender and juicy. When you serve, drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken! For better flavor, marinate your chicken longer. If you can, let it sit overnight. This gives the chicken time to soak up the sweet and savory notes of the marinade. After cooking, always let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Resting helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. Choose a heavy skillet, like cast iron. This helps heat evenly and gives a nice crust. Preheat the skillet before adding the chicken. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in flavors and creates a delicious crust. Serve your brown sugar garlic chicken with fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the sauce well. Add colorful sautéed vegetables for a bright plate. For a stunning look, arrange the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with green onions. This makes your dish pop with color and flavor. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor infusion, try to marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in an even tastier dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Double the Sauce: If you love a saucy dish, consider doubling the marinade ingredients. This provides extra sauce for drizzling over rice or vegetables. Garnish for Presentation: Don't skip the green onions! They add a beautiful pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Chicken thighs work great, but chicken breast is a lighter option. If you want a plant-based dish, try using tofu instead. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water for better flavor. For the sweetener, brown sugar is key for the sauce, but you can use honey or maple syrup for a healthier choice. These alternatives will change the taste a bit, but they still create a lovely sweetness. Want to kick up the heat? Add red pepper flakes to the marinade. This will give your chicken a nice spicy kick that balances well with the sweet sauce. You can also experiment with different vinegars. Try balsamic vinegar for a rich depth or rice vinegar for a lighter taste. Each will add a unique twist to the dish and make it your own. After enjoying your brown sugar garlic chicken, store any leftovers properly. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture loss. Place the chicken in an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers. They keep the chicken fresh longer and do not hold odors. You can also use resealable plastic bags. Just make sure to squeeze out all the air before sealing. When it's time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in and prevents drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check it to ensure it’s hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. This can help keep the chicken tender. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs stay juicier. Breasts may dry out faster during cooking. If you choose breasts, cook them carefully. They need less time than thighs. Check for doneness often. Aim for that same internal temp of 165°F. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink. Juices should run clear. Yes, this recipe can be prepped ahead. Marinate the chicken the night before. This will boost flavor. You can also cook it and store the chicken. Just keep it in the fridge. Reheat it before serving to enjoy all the flavors. This recipe offers a simple way to cook chicken thighs, using tasty ingredients like brown sugar and soy sauce. You learned how to make a flavorful marinade, marinate the chicken, and achieve perfect doneness. Remember to enhance flavors and rest the chicken for best results. You can even try variations with different proteins or spices. With proper storage and reheating, your meal can last longer. Enjoy creating this dish, and don’t be afraid to experiment with it!$

Sweet & Sticky Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Season the chicken thighs with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides for enhanced flavor. Transfer the seasoned chicken to a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is generously coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight to enrich the flavor profile.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time you finish preparing the chicken.
In a large skillet suitable for oven use, heat over medium-high heat until hot. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (set the marinade aside for later use) and sear them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
After searing, carefully pour the reserved marinade over the chicken pieces in the skillet. This will create a delicious sauce as it bakes.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before removing.
Upon removing the skillet from the oven, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This rest period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy.
To serve, drizzle an ample amount of the pan sauce over the chicken. Finish with a vibrant sprinkle of sliced green onions for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Keyword brown sugar, chicken, easy, garlic, sticky