Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that create a mouthwatering dish. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a rich glaze that coats each chicken thigh, resulting in juicy, tender meat with a crispy exterior. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

In this article, we will guide you through the basic recipe, share advanced techniques, provide storage tips, and offer answers to frequently asked questions. Get ready to bring a delicious twist to your chicken dinners with these glazed soy sauce brown sugar chicken thighs.

For more savory chicken recipes, check out Chicken Recipes on Allrecipes and Sweet and Savory Chicken Dinners on Taste of Home.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs Recipe

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The rich soy sauce and brown sugar create a sticky glaze that caramelizes over the crispy skin of the chicken thighs, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion!

Ingredients

Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs: 6 pieces (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (use low-sodium if preferred)
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (packed)
Garlic (Minced): 4 cloves
Fresh Ginger (Grated): 1 teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor)
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (for flavor)
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (for searing)
Honey: 2 tablespoons (for added sweetness and gloss)
Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (optional, to thicken the glaze)
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Green Onions (Sliced): 2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the chicken thighs:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Make the glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. (Optional: To thicken the glaze further, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water, then add it to the sauce and stir until thickened.) Set aside.
Sear the chicken thighs:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
Coat with glaze:
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour half of the prepared glaze over the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
Bake the chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Every 10 minutes, baste the chicken with the remaining glaze to ensure it gets coated in the sweet sauce.
Finish the dish:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon any remaining glaze from the skillet over the chicken thighs and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using) for garnish.
Serve:
Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

Soy Sauce Substitutes: If you prefer, you can use tamari for a gluten-free version.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Serving Ideas: Serve with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad to balance the rich, sweet flavors of the chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (including searing and baking)
Category: Main Course
Method: Oven-baked, Skillet-seared
Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
Calories: 360
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs Recipe

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you want an extra layer of flavor, you can add sesame oil to the glaze.
Cook the Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Glaze and Bake: Pour the glaze over the seared chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can spoon the glaze over the chicken halfway through for an even coating.
Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and freshness. Serve over rice, steamed vegetables, or a side salad.

Advanced Techniques for Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

1. Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor:

To enhance the flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and brown sugar mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. This will allow the chicken to absorb the sweet-savory flavors, making each bite even more flavorful.

2. Use a Cast Iron Skillet for Crispy Skin:

A cast iron skillet is perfect for achieving a crispy skin on your chicken thighs. The even heat distribution ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the skin crisps up beautifully.

3. Caramelize the Glaze:

For a thicker, more caramelized glaze, let the glaze simmer on the stove over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before pouring it over the chicken. This will give the glaze a more concentrated, rich flavor and a thicker consistency.

4. Grill the Chicken:

If you prefer grilling, you can cook the chicken on a grill instead of baking. Grill the chicken thighs over medium heat, brushing the glaze onto the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. This will give the chicken a smoky flavor while still getting that sweet, savory glaze.

5. Add Vegetables to the Skillet:

For a complete meal, you can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet. The vegetables will cook in the glaze, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the chicken, creating a one-pan dinner.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store:

Store any leftover Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing.

Freezing Tips:

This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

Reheating Tips:

To reheat, you can warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or you can microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the glaze has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free:

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly:

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace the brown sugar with a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia. You can also serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the dish low-carb.

Dairy-Free:

This dish is naturally dairy-free as it does not contain any dairy products. Ensure you’re using dairy-free butter if you want to incorporate butter into the recipe.

Paleo-Friendly:

For a paleo version, replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos and substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar. Ensure you’re using ghee or olive oil instead of butter.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but the cooking time will be shorter—about 20-25 minutes. The skin will not be as crispy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat the glaze on the stovetop before using.

3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe because they are juicier and more flavorful. If using chicken breasts, make sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

4. How can I thicken the glaze if it’s too thin?

If your glaze is too thin, you can simmer it over low heat for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the glaze to thicken it quickly.

5. How do I prevent the chicken from being too salty?

If you’re concerned about the soy sauce being too salty, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Additionally, taste the glaze before pouring it over the chicken and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs are a delicious and simple dish that combines the rich umami flavor of soy sauce with the sweetness of brown sugar and honey. This recipe creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a hit for any occasion. Whether you choose to bake, grill, or make a one-pan meal, the result is always satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a flavorful chicken dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs: Sweet and Savory Perfection