Description

Garlic-Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs feature juicy, tender chicken coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze combining the aromatic savoriness of fresh garlic and the deep sweetness of brown sugar. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, requiring minimal ingredients and effort while delivering a balanced sweet and savory profile that pleases any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4–6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade & Glaze

1/4 cup brown sugar
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture forms a smooth glaze ready to coat the chicken.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
Preheat and Prepare Cooking Surface: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for pan-searing. Both methods yield a caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
Cook the Chicken Thighs: For baking, arrange thighs skin-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through and sticky. For pan-searing, place thighs skin-side down first and cook 5-7 minutes until skin crisps, then flip and cook another 5-7 minutes until done.
Glaze and Finish: During the last few minutes of cooking, spoon additional marinade or a fresh mixture over the thighs and let it reduce to form a thick glaze, enhancing flavor and creating a shiny, sticky finish.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness.
Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor intensity.
Marinate a minimum of 30 minutes for punchy flavor; longer marinating develops deeper taste.
Watch the glaze closely while cooking, as brown sugar can burn quickly; adjust heat if needed.
Prefer skin-on thighs for crunch and flavor; if using skinless, sear carefully to avoid dryness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking or Pan-Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg