This delicious Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs recipe comes together in about 35 minutes and uses just one pan, making it a quick and easy lunch that your family will love!
Ingredients Needed
Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need for these succulent brown sugar chicken thighs:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
- Sprinkle the spice rub all over the chicken thighs, rubbing it in on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up, then pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest on a plate.
- If desired, simmer the pan juices on the stovetop until slightly reduced, then spoon them over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and serve immediately.
If you loved this Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs, be sure to check out my Baked Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks!
Why These Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs Work
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes! This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.
One-Pan Wonder
The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together all in one pan! You’ll save time on both cooking and cleanup, which is a win-win in my book!
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that doesn’t break the bank while still feeling luxurious?
Comfort Food at its Finest
These chicken thighs are loaded with tons of flavor! The combination of brown sugar, garlic, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Customizable
You can adjust the recipe based on what you have on hand. If you’re low on brown sugar, you could use honey or maple syrup instead for a similar sweetness. This recipe is all about making it your own!
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can even toss in some crusty bread to soak up those delicious pan juices.
How to Store
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. I have kept this in my fridge longer, and while it’s still edible, let’s be honest, it’s best fresh!
Reheating Instructions
The best way to reheat it is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. You can also zap it in the microwave, but it might not keep that lovely, crispy skin.
Freezer-Friendly
Yes! You can absolutely freeze these chicken thighs. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
And there you have it! Your household is going to be singing your praises after this dish, trust me. I can’t wait for you to try these Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs! Get ready for a dining experience that’s not just about food, but about creating warm memories around the dinner table. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
For more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Quick and Easy Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This delicious Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and uses just one pan, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
- Sprinkle the spice rub all over the chicken thighs, rubbing it in on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up, then pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest on a plate.
- If desired, simmer the pan juices on the stovetop until slightly reduced, then spoon them over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to switch up the protein or veggies based on what you have on hand. This recipe is very flexible!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg