Description
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs seared to perfection and baked in a rich, flavorful brown sugar and garlic sauce with a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. Perfectly balanced with sweet and savory flavors, this dish is an easy-to-make dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 pounds)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Sauce
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Place the 6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until nicely browned, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
- Prepare the sauce: While the chicken is searing, whisk together ⅔ cup packed brown sugar, ⅓ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper in a small bowl until fully combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Pour the brown sugar garlic sauce evenly over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the chicken with the sauce every 8-10 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Notes
- For best results, use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
