Go Back
–+ servings
Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

Crispy Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs: Simple One-Pan Delight

Delight in these Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs, combining crispy skin and juicy meat in a savory-sweet glaze for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 thighs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Juicy and flavorful
  • to taste kosher salt Essential for flavor
  • to taste black pepper Adds heat
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar Critical for glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh for optimal flavor
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds smokiness
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Deepens flavor
For Cooking Liquid
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water Use low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice For tanginess
Optional Garnish
  • to taste fresh parsley or chives For freshness

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. Mix dark brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-8 minutes.
  6. Gently flip the chicken skin-side up and add chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the chicken.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes and spoon pan juices over before serving, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1thighCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure chicken is dry before seasoning for crispy skin. Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!