Crispy Garlic-Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

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These savory-sweet chicken thighs come together quickly for the perfect weeknight meal. The sweet garlic-brown sugar sauce is balanced with cider vinegar for a little tang. Watch it carefully as it cooks and pull it from the heat as soon as it's thickened to prevent burning.

a recipe photo of the Crispy Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
Photo: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Annie Probst
Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder, divided

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ¼ teaspoon salt, divided

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, divided

  • 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds)

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

  • Chopped cilantro and/or sliced scallions for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

  2. Combine 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon each cumin and oregano and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture under the chicken skin and all over the thighs. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down; cook, undisturbed, until the skin is browned and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn over. Remove 1 tablespoon of the chicken drippings to a medium skillet.

  3. Transfer the chicken to the oven; roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, about 20 minutes.

  4. Meanwhile, heat the chicken drippings in the medium skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until starting to brown, about 45 seconds. Add broth, brown sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon each cumin and oregano and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat and cook, stirring, until thickened and reduced, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar.

  5. Serve the chicken drizzled with the sauce. Sprinkle with cilantro and/or scallions, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

392 Calories
28g Fat
9g Carbs
25g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 thigh & 1 1/2 Tbsp. sauce
Calories 392
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 7g
Added Sugars 7g 14%
Protein 25g 50%
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 142mg 47%
Vitamin A 520IU 10%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Vitamin D 4IU 1%
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 6mcg 2%
Vitamin K 6mcg 5%
Sodium 322mg 14%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 30mg 7%
Potassium 347mg 7%
Zinc 2mg 18%
Vitamin B12 1mcg 42%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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