Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
A perfect balance of savory and sweet, these Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. This simple recipe uses pantry staples and is a fantastic weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 3-4 cloves)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy twist)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
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Prepare Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
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Make the Garlic Brown Sugar Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and it starts to bubble, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Coat the Chicken:
- Brush the garlic brown sugar mixture generously over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well-coated. Reserve some glaze for basting later if desired.
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Bake the Chicken:
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden. If you like extra caramelization, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
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Serve:
- Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
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Optional Basting:
- If you reserved some of the glaze, you can brush it on the chicken right before serving for a burst of extra flavor.
Tips:
- If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes.
- You can marinate the chicken in the garlic brown sugar glaze for 30 minutes to overnight for an even deeper flavor.
- Serve these thighs with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
These Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs are packed with rich flavors and sure to be a hit with your family or guests. Enjoy the sweet and savory combination in every bite!
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