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To make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, gather these key ingredients. This dish is simple but full of flavor. - 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role in making the chicken juicy and flavorful. The brown sugar adds sweetness, while the garlic gives it a rich taste. Soy sauce and vinegar bring umami and tang, making this dish stand out. The sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures a moist and tender result. Don't skip the green onions! They add a fresh touch when sprinkled on top. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients. You will love how they come together for a delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I whisk together the following ingredients in a medium bowl: - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture blends well. Marinating the chicken is key. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but two hours is even better for deeper flavor. This time allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty goodness. Next, I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). I arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, skin side up. It’s important to reserve the marinade for later use. I bake the chicken for 30 minutes, then take it out and brush the reserved marinade over the top. This adds extra flavor and keeps the chicken moist. I return the chicken to the oven for an extra 10 to 15 minutes. I check that the skin is crispy and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). After cooking, I let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside, making it more tender. For presentation, I serve the chicken on a large platter and drizzle any extra sauce from the baking sheet over the top. I like to scatter chopped green onions over the chicken for a fresh touch. Pair it with steamed rice or mixed vegetables for a complete and colorful meal. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, go for 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up all those tasty flavors. To balance sweetness, add a bit more soy sauce. A pinch of salt can also help bring out all the flavors. If you run out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar. Mix it with a bit of molasses to mimic that rich flavor. For vinegar, apple cider is great, but you can also use rice vinegar or even balsamic vinegar. Each will give a different twist to your dish. You can cook this chicken on the stovetop if you prefer. Just sear the chicken in a hot pan until golden, then cover and cook until done. If you want a smoky flavor, use a grill. Just make sure to adjust the marinating time for best results. This dish works well with various cooking methods, so choose what you like best! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat, enhancing the taste. Check the Skin Crispiness: To achieve perfectly crispy skin, make sure to bake the chicken skin side up and avoid covering it with foil during cooking. This helps render the fat and allows the skin to become golden and crispy. Resting is Key: After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. For a milder flavor, skip the flakes entirely, or for extra heat, add more! {{image_2}} For a kick, add red pepper flakes or spicy sauce. You can use sriracha or hot sauce to amp up the heat. Just mix it into your marinade. Start with a little, then taste as you go. You want spice, but not to overwhelm the sweet flavor. This adds a fun twist to your dish. To give your chicken an Asian vibe, swap soy sauce for teriyaki or hoisin sauce. These sauces add depth and sweetness. Adjust the garlic to your taste. You can also add sesame seeds for crunch. A splash of lime juice can brighten up the dish. Mixing these flavors makes it unique and tasty. Grilling brings a smoky taste that pairs well with the sweet marinade. Before grilling, let the chicken marinate for at least an hour. This boosts the flavor. For grilling, set your grill to medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Make sure to check the temperature. It should reach 165°F. Use the reserved marinade to baste the chicken while it cooks. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. To keep your brown sugar garlic chicken fresh, store it properly. First, let the chicken cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out any extra air before sealing it tight. This will help the chicken stay juicy. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it's warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes until warm. This helps keep the chicken from drying out. If you want to save the chicken for later, freezing works great. You can freeze both the chicken and the marinade. First, let the chicken cool. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can before sealing. For the marinade, store it in a separate container. When you're ready to use it, move the chicken to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also thaw it in cold water for quicker results. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the chicken absorb all the flavors. For a richer taste, aim for 2 hours. If you have time, marinating overnight is even better. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, chicken thighs stay moist better than breasts. If you choose breasts, adjust the cooking time. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes. Always check with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Many sides work well with Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Mixed vegetables - Garlic bread - Roasted potatoes - A fresh green salad These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. This blog covers how to make tasty Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken. You learned about the ingredients, the marinating process, and cooking steps. I shared tips to boost flavor and offered fun variations. Storing leftovers and reheating methods help you enjoy this dish later. Remember, cooking is about exploring and having fun. You can try new flavors and techniques. Enjoy making this dish your own!

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

A deliciously sweet and savory chicken dish with a sticky brown sugar garlic marinade.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 pieces green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, skin side up. Reserve the marinade for later.
  • Bake the chicken in the oven for 30 minutes, then remove it and brush the reserved marinade over the chicken.
  • Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or mixed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword brown sugar, chicken, garlic, marinade