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Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 61 reviews

This Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken recipe features juicy, crispy chicken thighs coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, honey, orange juice, and warming spices. The chicken is first seared to crisp the skin, then baked and broiled for a beautifully caramelized finish. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Glaze Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (or yellow mustard)
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Chicken Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs (about 4 bone-in, skin-on thighs)
  • Salt and cracked black pepper, to season
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking and broiling the chicken later.
  2. Make the glaze. Combine the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ground ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high, stirring frequently, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the chicken. Heat olive oil in a 10-inch cast-iron or oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and cracked black pepper on both sides. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot skillet.
  4. Sear the chicken. Cook the chicken for 7 to 8 minutes without moving so the skin crisps and browns nicely. Flip the thighs and cook an additional 5 to 6 minutes on the other side.
  5. Glaze and bake. Pour the prepared brown sugar glaze over the chicken thighs, coating them thoroughly. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the chicken with the glaze halfway through baking.
  6. Broil to finish. Turn on the oven broiler and broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the glaze and crisp the skin further. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
  7. Rest and serve. Remove chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to retain juices before serving. Enjoy your flavorful glazed chicken!

Notes

  • Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures juicy meat and crispy skin.
  • Adjust sweetness or spice by modifying the amount of brown sugar or smoked paprika.
  • If you prefer, substitute whole-grain mustard with yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F.
  • The glaze can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/easy-brown-sugar-glazed-chicken-recipe/