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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish Gather these ingredients to make a quick and tasty Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken. The chicken thighs are juicy and cook well with sweet and savory flavors. Brown sugar adds a nice sweetness, while garlic brings depth. The soy sauce and apple cider vinegar balance the dish. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Fresh ginger adds a zing, and red pepper flakes give a kick if you choose. For serving, sprinkle chopped green onions on top. They add color and a fresh taste. Salt and pepper help season the dish. This recipe works well for a family meal or a quick dinner. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty results! In a medium bowl, I whisk together the sauce ingredients. I combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. I also add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if I want some heat. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste. Marinating is key for great flavor. I let the chicken sit in this mixture for at least 30 minutes. If I have more time, I keep it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This longer marinating time boosts the taste. Next, I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze. Once the oven is ready, I take the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them on the sheet. I reserve the marinade for later. I bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. It’s done when the inside reaches 165°F (75°C) and looks golden brown. While the chicken bakes, I pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. I bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes. This thickens the sauce nicely. After baking, I remove the chicken from the oven. I drizzle the thickened marinade over the top. I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This helps keep it juicy and tender. To make your Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken shine, marinate it well. Marinating adds a burst of flavor and makes the chicken tender. I recommend at least 30 minutes, but two hours gives the best taste. Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more brown sugar. You can cook this chicken in different ways. Baking is easy, but grilling adds a nice char. If you use a stovetop, cook on medium heat. No matter how you cook, ensure the chicken stays moist. Cook it until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This keeps it juicy and safe to eat. Serving is just as fun as cooking! Place the chicken on a platter and drizzle it with glaze. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for color. Pair the chicken with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables. This makes your dish look great and taste even better. Use a large white plate for a classic look that highlights your meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sweeteners. Honey or maple syrup works well in place of brown sugar. Both options add a unique taste that pairs nicely with garlic. If you want a different protein, try pork or tofu. Pork will give a rich flavor. Tofu absorbs the marinade well for a tasty vegetarian option. To make your dish pop, add extra spices or herbs. A pinch of paprika or thyme can enhance the taste. You can also try herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh twist. If you like heat, adjust the red pepper flakes. Add more for a spicy kick or leave them out for a milder dish. Tailor the heat to suit your family’s taste. Changing up the side dishes can elevate your meal. Serve it with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed veggies. A fresh salad can balance the sweet and savory flavors perfectly. You can also transform the dish into a stir-fry. Just chop the chicken into smaller pieces and cook it with colorful veggies. Or, slice the chicken for a salad, adding greens and nuts for crunch. To store leftovers safely, place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it first before sealing. This keeps it fresh for your next meal. For best quality, eat the chicken within three to four days. This way, you enjoy the flavor and texture at its best. To freeze the chicken, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bag with the date. Frozen chicken will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can reheat the chicken in several ways. Try using the oven, microwave, or stovetop. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chicken for about 15-20 minutes. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Stovetop reheating is quick, too. Just add a splash of water in a pan, cover, and heat gently. This helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! To add some heat to your dish, try these tips: - Use more red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon. - Add fresh chopped chili peppers for a stronger kick. - Include a splash of hot sauce in the marinade. - Experiment with spicy mustard or ginger for warmth. These options will enhance the dish's flavor while keeping it delicious. Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time! Here’s how: - Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. - Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. - For stronger flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. This makes meal prep a breeze and saves time on busy days. Here are a few tasty side dishes to pair with your chicken: - Steamed rice is a classic choice. - Sautéed vegetables add color and crunch. - A fresh salad brightens up the plate. - Mashed potatoes complement the sweet glaze. These sides will create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress! This blog post covered a tasty Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe. We discussed the main ingredients, including chicken thighs and garlic, along with flavorings like soy sauce and honey. The step-by-step guide walked you through marinating, baking, and finishing touches. I also shared tips for flavor and presentation, plus storage advice. Try different variations to keep it exciting. With simple steps, you can create a meal that impresses. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with family and friends!

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Discover a mouthwatering Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe that’s sure to impress! This simple dish features tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory glaze made with garlic and brown sugar. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and add this delicious meal to your dinner rotation today! Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup brown sugar

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until fully combined.

    Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for stronger flavor).

      Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

        Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

          Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve the marinade for later.

            Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.

              While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.

                Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the thickened marinade over the top.

                  Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a platter, drizzled with the glaze, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a pop of color. Pair it with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.