These Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs are a perfect mix of sweet and savory. The sticky glaze is made with soy sauce and brown sugar, giving it a tasty twist!
Cooking these thighs is super easy, and the smell that fills your kitchen is just amazing. I like to serve them with rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Can’t get enough of it! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs deliver great flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use skinless thighs or even chicken breasts, though the cooking time might vary.
Soy Sauce: This is the main source of saltiness in the recipe. If you need a lower-sodium option, look for low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free version, tamari works well too!
Brown Sugar: Gives the dish a rich sweetness. You can substitute it with coconut sugar or even honey, although using honey will change the flavor profile slightly.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh ingredients add amazing depth. If you’re out, garlic powder and ground ginger can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor and aroma.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, use olive oil or omit it, although you’ll miss out on that signature taste.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken Skin?
Searing the chicken properly is key to achieving that crispy, golden skin. Start with a hot skillet to help render the fat from the skin. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down without overcrowding the pan. This helps in getting that crispiness.
- Don’t touch the chicken for the first 5-7 minutes! Let it sear well before flipping.
- If the skin sticks to the pan, give it a little more time; it will release when it’s ready.
How to Make Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for searing
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 30-35 minutes for cooking. In total, you will need about 45 minutes to serve up some mouthwatering chicken thighs perfectly glazed with a savory sauce. So let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely for a smooth sauce. If you decide to use cornstarch for thickening, mix it with a little water in a separate small bowl before adding it to your sauce mixture.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and season them well with salt and pepper on both sides. This will add flavor and enhance the dish!
3. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a splash of cooking oil. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes or until the skin is nice, crispy, and golden brown.
4. Add the Sauce:
Flip the chicken thighs over so the skin side is up and pour your prepared soy sauce mixture over the top. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is where the flavors start to mingle!
5. Cook the Chicken:
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally until it is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 5 minutes of cooking to help it reduce and thicken up a bit. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve:
Once your chicken thighs are cooked through, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the delicious reduced sauce over the top to make it look extra appealing!
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
To make your dish even yummier, garnish the chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Now sit back and enjoy your flavorful Glazed Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs with some steamed rice or your favorite sides!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes after adding the sauce. Just ensure the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety!
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Keep in mind that coconut aminos are less salty, so you might want to adjust the amount to taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet or microwave. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help restore its consistency.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just cook them in the skillet along with the chicken in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to ensure they become tender yet remain crisp!
