5-Ingredient Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
If you're on the hunt for a lip-smacking chicken dish that effortlessly combines sweetness and savory goodness, look no further than Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs. This delectable recipe promises flavors that'll have your taste buds dancing with joy. Let's dive in and discover how to whip up this delightful dish!
What kind of chicken will you need?
For this recipe, you'll want bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are not only tender but also packed with flavor, and the richness of the dark meat makes them the ideal canvas for the brown sugar glaze. If you would prefer to use boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
Protip: Swap smart!
We used light brown sugar for this recipe, but dark brown sugar will work as well!
What you need to make brown sugar chicken
Gather these ingredients:
- Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- Brown sugar
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Water
Protip: Hold the salt!
You'll notice that there is no salt on this ingredient list. But don't think that means this dinner is lacking in flavor-all the salty flavor comes from the soy sauce!
How to make brown sugar chicken
- Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 425°F. This will give you evenly cooked, perfectly tender chicken.
- Over medium heat, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and water until the sugar is dissolved. This will be the glaze for your chicken.
- Pour half of the glaze into an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Nestle the chicken thighs into the pan, skin side up. Pour the rest of the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh reads 165°F. Spoon the sauce over the chicken as you serve it.
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What to serve with brown sugar chicken
This delightful main course goes splendidly with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with my fluffy slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe, easy yeast rolls, roasted vegetables like garlic broccoli, balsamic roasted beets, or easy roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh garden salad for a bit of freshness. The choice is yours!
How do I store the leftovers?
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (trust us, it's hard to resist seconds!), you've got options. Shred the leftover chicken and use it as a topping for salads or stuff it into sandwiches or chicken bacon ranch wraps for a packed lunch the next day. You can also toss the shredded chicken into chicken and broccoli pesto pasta or healthy chicken stir fry for an instant flavor boost.
Can you freeze brown sugar chicken?
Absolutely! If you've made a larger batch or want to save some for a rainy day, you can freeze this brown sugar chicken. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to label it with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, this easy chicken dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
Want more chicken recipes like this one?
📖 Recipe
Brown Sugar Chicken
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Add ⅓ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup water, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder to a saucepan and heat on medium until the sugar dissolves, whisking as it cooks.
- Pour about half the sauce into a large cast iron skillet or baking dish.
- Set 3 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs skin side-up in the sauce, then pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve!
Notes
- You can sub in boneless thighs-just cook for 20-25 minutes instead of 30-35 minutes.
- We used light brown sugar, but you can use dark brown sugar as well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Chop up the chicken to add to salads or wraps, too!
Chicken thighs are so underrated! They are quick cooking, affordable, and packed full of so much flavor—everyone should be enjoying them regularly. This simple 5-ingredient recipe is a great stepping stone into chicken thighs. We serve this with rice or roasted sweet potatoes for an easy weeknight dinner.