Name: Sweet and Salty Boneless Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Sweet and Salty Mixture:; 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1½ tablespoons tamari sauce (or regular soy sauce); 1½ tablespoons maple syrup; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; Chicken:; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 small pieces); Sea salt, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter

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This Sweet and Salty Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe brings together the perfect balance of savory and sweet with minimal effort. Made in one skillet and ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s full of bold flavor from maple syrup, tamari soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.

Sweet and Salty Boneless Chicken Thighs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan magic – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Sweet, salty, and sticky – The glaze caramelizes beautifully over the chicken.
Quick and easy – Just 25 minutes from prep to plate.
Naturally gluten-free – Thanks to tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Great for meal prep – Pairs well with rice, veggies, or noodles.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet and Salty Mixture

1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1½ tablespoons tamari sauce (or regular soy sauce)
1½ tablespoons maple syrup
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 small pieces)
Sea salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

1. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, tamari sauce, maple syrup, and ground pepper. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with sea salt on both sides.

3. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side (8–10 minutes total), flipping once, until golden brown.

4. Add the Sauce
Pour the sweet and salty sauce over the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer.

5. Glaze the Chicken
Continue to simmer the sauce while flipping the chicken every 2 minutes to fully coat it.
Cook until the glaze becomes thick and syrupy, and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).

6. Serve
Remove from heat and serve immediately, spooning extra glaze over the chicken.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320–350 kcal per serving (varies slightly by size of thighs)

Variations

Spicy version – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the glaze.
Garlicky twist – Add 1–2 minced garlic cloves to the pan when searing the chicken.
Citrusy glaze – Add a splash of fresh orange juice or zest for a citrus boost.
Use chicken breasts – Works great with thin chicken breast cutlets (adjust cook time).
Add herbs – Finish with chopped parsley or thyme for added freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Use thin chicken breast cutlets and adjust the cooking time as they cook faster.

What’s the difference between tamari and soy sauce?

Tamari is a gluten-free Japanese version of soy sauce with a slightly richer, less salty flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. It reheats well and can be prepped in advance for weekly meal prep.

Will this work with frozen chicken thighs?

Thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even searing and glazing.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, you can sauté veggies like bell peppers or snap peas in the same pan after removing the chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer to reduce or add a small cornstarch slurry (½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) if needed.

What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed rice, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a light salad all pair perfectly.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, grill the chicken and then brush the glaze on during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I double the sauce for extra drizzle?

Definitely! Just maintain the 1:1:1 ratio for vinegar, tamari, and maple syrup.

Conclusion

Sweet and Salty Boneless Chicken Thighs is a go-to recipe for anyone who loves bold flavor with minimal fuss. It’s sweet, savory, perfectly glazed, and ideal for busy nights or weekend dinners. Simple ingredients, powerful taste — this chicken delivers every time.

Molly