Description
Brown sugar soy sauce chicken thighs deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Marinated and caramelized, these tender chicken thighs invite you to savor a delightful Asian-inspired culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Aromatics and Garnish:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by blending soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cracked black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply, ideally up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375F, preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces for even heat circulation.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes, periodically basting with reserved marinade to enhance moisture and caramelization. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
- Chicken is ready when skin turns golden brown and crispy, with a glossy, caramelized exterior that hints at the rich, complex flavor profile.
- Carefully transfer chicken to a serving platter, allowing brief resting time to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
- Elevate presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, adding visual appeal and complementary texture.
Notes
- Enhance marinating time to 4-6 hours for deeper flavor infusion, allowing chicken to absorb maximum seasoning.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version that reduces salt content without compromising taste profile.
- Pat chicken thighs dry before baking to achieve extra crispy skin and better caramelization of the glaze.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative or to accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg