Irresistible Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs Recipe

Succulent brown sugar glazed soy sauce chicken thighs promise a flavor explosion that’ll make dinner feel like a special occasion.

Every bite packs a sweet and savory punch that dances across your palate.

Marinating these juicy chicken pieces creates depth beyond basic weeknight cooking.

Rich caramelized edges hint at the magic waiting on your plate.

Comfort meets gourmet in this simple yet impressive dish that anyone can master.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary, proving cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.

Grab your apron and let’s turn ordinary chicken into a meal you’ll crave again and again.

Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

• Conquer One-Pot Comfort: Chili mac delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a lifesaver for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Transform Weeknight Dinners: This recipe brilliantly combines classic chili and pasta into a hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, creating instant family love.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients let you swap ground beef for plant-based alternatives, adjust spice levels, or add creative toppings, ensuring everyone gets their perfect version of this crowd-pleasing dish.
• Nutrition Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from meat or plant-based options, beans, and cheese, this recipe provides a balanced meal that keeps hunger at bay and energy levels high.

Ingredients For Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of meat that provides a rich base for the glazed recipe.

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps create a savory coating for the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken skin.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide aromatic and spicy undertones that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy note to balance the sweet and savory elements.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty and rich flavor characteristic of Asian-inspired dishes.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that introduces a gentle heat to the glaze.

• Cornstarch, Water: Create a slurry that helps thicken the glaze and give it a glossy appearance.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh garnishes that add texture and visual appeal to the finished dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

How To Make Glazed Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting ready for some delicious cooking magic.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Gently dry the chicken thighs with paper towels.

Sprinkle with a light touch of salt and pepper, ensuring each piece gets some flavor love.

Step 3: Position the Poultry

Arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish, positioning them skin-side up like little flavor mountains.

Step 4: Craft the Magical Glaze

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat lovers)

Step 5: Simmer and Blend

Heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring occasionally. Watch the sugar dissolve and let the flavors dance together for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Pour this into the simmering sauce and let it bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Coat and Bake

Lovingly pour the glossy glaze over the chicken thighs, making sure every inch gets a delicious coating. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Step 8: Crisp and Cook

Bake for 35-45 minutes, giving the chicken a loving baste with glaze halfway through. You’re looking for perfectly cooked meat with a crispy, golden skin.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Pull the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Plate up with steamed rice and your favorite veggies, creating a meal that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Tips For Sweet And Savory Chicken Thighs

• Dry chicken thoroughly to help crispy skin develop and ensure even glaze coating.
• Adjust heat level by controlling red pepper flakes amount for personalized spice preference.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt content without sacrificing flavor depth.
• Create dairy-free version by replacing sesame oil with neutral vegetable oil for allergy-friendly meal.
• Marinate chicken for 2-3 hours before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and meat tenderness.

Flavor Variations For Soy Sauce Chicken Thighs

• Asian Honey Mustard Variation: Replace soy sauce and brown sugar with honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for a tangy, sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully on chicken thighs.
• Korean Gochujang Kick: Swap brown sugar glaze with gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil to create a spicy-sweet Korean-inspired sauce that transforms the chicken into a bold, fiery dish.
• Maple Bourbon Infusion: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add bourbon whiskey for a rich, smoky glaze that brings deep, complex flavors to the tender chicken thighs.

Serving Ideas For Glazed Chicken Thighs

• Asian-Inspired Dinner Feast: Pair the glazed chicken thighs with fluffy jasmine rice, stir-fried bok choy, and a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal bursting with complementary flavors.
• Meal Prep Magic: Slice the chicken and store in meal prep containers with rice and roasted vegetables for easy lunch options throughout the week. The glaze keeps the meat tender and delicious.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, skewer them, and serve as elegant party appetizers. Drizzle extra glaze on top and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for a crowd-pleasing finger food.

How To Store Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen glazed chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months when stored at 0°F.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy skin and prevent drying. Add a splash of water or extra glaze to keep moisture levels high.
• Store remaining glaze separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use as a quick sauce or marinade for future meals.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes to prevent drying out. Adjust glaze coating to ensure even flavor.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild heat from red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust or omit them for a non-spicy version. For more heat, increase red pepper flakes quantity.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work as excellent substitutes. They’ll provide similar tangy notes to complement the sweet and savory glaze.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165F (74C) at its thickest part to ensure safe consumption.

Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent glazed soy sauce brown sugar chicken thighs originate from Korean home cooking traditions. Caramelized edges and umami-rich sauce make this dish a quick weeknight favorite for home cooks seeking bold flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal roasting environment for the chicken thighs.
2. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken thighs, removing excess moisture to promote crispy skin.
3. Season the chicken thighs with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, enhancing their natural flavors.
4. Arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish with the skin facing upward, ensuring even cooking.
5. Craft the glaze by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan.
6. Simmer the glaze mixture over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
7. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a separate small bowl.
8. Incorporate the slurry into the glaze, continuing to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a thick, glossy consistency.
9. Generously pour the prepared glaze over the chicken thighs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
10. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, basting the chicken midway through cooking to intensify flavor and moisture.
11. Verify doneness by checking that the chicken is fully cooked and the skin has turned golden and crispy.
12. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, letting the juices redistribute.
13. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
14. Present the glazed chicken thighs alongside steamed rice and vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Dry the chicken thoroughly to ensure crispy skin and better glaze absorption.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for personalized heat level, making the dish mild or spicy.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and prevent overly salty results.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, reducing cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 213 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg