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To make this dish, you need the following items: - 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred) - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) This list gives you all you need to create a flavorful meal. Each ingredient plays a role, making the chicken tender and tasty. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with molasses. For soy sauce, coconut aminos work well too. If you need a vinegar swap, use rice vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar. If you want a different oil, avocado oil is a great choice. Ground ginger can be replaced with fresh ginger, just use less. For a richer taste, I suggest using specific brands. Look for organic brown sugar like Wholesome Sweeteners for a deep flavor. Kikkoman is a reliable choice for soy sauce. For apple cider vinegar, Bragg’s is often favored for its quality. When picking olive oil, go for California Olive Ranch for a robust taste. These brands help enhance the dish's overall flavor and quality. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. First, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken thighs, brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. This mix will be your marinade. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly and shake it gently. Make sure all the chicken gets covered. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This step builds flavor. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Let the extra marinade drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the skin to be crispy and golden brown. This step adds a nice texture. After searing, carefully flip the chicken thighs over. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken. This keeps the flavor locked in. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After flipping the chicken in the skillet, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is fully cooked. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time keeps the meat juicy. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish. Enjoy your Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Thighs! For the full recipe, refer to the previous section. To get that crispy skin, start with dry chicken thighs. Pat them dry using paper towels. This helps to remove extra moisture. Make sure your oven is hot, around 400°F (200°C). Sear the chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes. This locks in flavor and gives it a golden color. When you flip the chicken, let it cook in the oven. This method ensures the skin stays crispy and the meat stays juicy. Marinating is key for tasty chicken. Use the marinade from the recipe. Let the chicken sit in it for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. The brown sugar and garlic work wonders together. You can even add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mix. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. This step brings out the best taste in your dish. Oven types can change cooking times. If you have a convection oven, reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking. Each oven is unique, so adjust as needed. This will help you serve perfectly cooked chicken every time. For the full recipe, check the instructions above! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Thighs by using different marinades. Try adding honey for sweetness or chili paste for heat. You can also swap soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a unique twist. Each change brings new tastes to the dish, keeping it exciting for your family. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts cook quicker and have less fat. Just be careful not to overcook them. Bake them for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want them juicy and tender. The marinade will still give them great flavor. You can make this dish a full meal by adding vegetables. Veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers roast well with the chicken. Toss them in the marinade and place them around the chicken in the skillet. They will soak up the flavors while cooking. This way, you get a tasty and nutritious meal in one dish. For the complete guide on this recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your brown sugar garlic chicken thighs fresh, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Reheating needs care to keep the chicken tasty. Use an oven to reheat at 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for 20 minutes. This method keeps it moist. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but the oven is best for texture. If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Make sure to label it with the date. Frozen chicken can last up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps keep the chicken juicy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Thighs in an air fryer, start by marinating the chicken as the recipe states. Once marinated, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket, skin-side up. Cook for about 25 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C). The skin will be crispy and flavorful. This method saves time and gives you a great texture. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. If you switch to boneless, reduce the baking time. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes. The marinade will still work well. Just make sure to coat the chicken evenly. This choice makes it easier to eat and still very tasty. The best side dish pairs well with the sweet and savory flavor of the chicken. I recommend serving it with steamed rice or roasted veggies. Both options balance the meal. You could also add a fresh salad for crunch. These sides enhance the dish and make it feel complete. You can store the marinade in the fridge for up to one week. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Just thaw it before use. This way, you can save time when you're ready to cook again. The flavors will still be fresh and vibrant. For the full recipe, check the complete instructions provided earlier. In this blog post, we explored the recipe for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Thighs. We covered the ingredients, substitutions, and recommended brands. Next, I provided step-by-step instructions for preparation, searing, and baking. I shared tips to achieve crispy skin and enhance flavor. We also discussed variations and storage options. Finally, I answered common questions to help you cook this dish successfully. Cooking can be fun and easy. Enjoy your delicious meal, and get creative!

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the deliciousness of Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Thighs! This easy recipe combines sweet brown sugar and savory garlic for a mouthwatering dish your family will love. Marinate the juicy chicken thighs for amazing flavor, then bake to perfection for a crispy finish. Ready in just about an hour, it's a perfect weeknight meal. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and impress your dinner guests tonight!
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Ingredients
  

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup brown sugar

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

      Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

        Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and place them skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

          Carefully flip the chicken thighs over, and pour any remaining marinade over the chicken in the skillet.

            Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

              Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.

                While resting, sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.

                  Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6