Imagine biting into a piece of chicken that’s both sweet and spicy, where every mouthful is like a dance of flavors on your tongue. These glazed chicken thighs—oh, they’ve got this magical way of turning an ordinary dinner into something you can’t stop talking about. I remember the first time I made them, the aroma filled the kitchen and even the neighbors were curious enough to knock on my door.
Steps
- Mix together the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper in a small bowl.
- Dry the chicken thighs using a paper towel, then generously coat both sides with the spice and sugar mixture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and swirl it around to cover the skillet’s surface.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and the sugar mixture forms a rich, brown glaze.
- Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning, and rotate the skillet if there are any hot spots to ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked pepper (about 10-15 cranks of a pepper mill)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (4-5 pieces)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1587.9 kcal | Carbohydrates: 62.75 g | Protein: 143.25 g | Fat: 92.4 g | Sodium: 2416.15 mg | Fiber: 1 g
FAQ
- How can I make the Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs less spicy?
- To tone down the heat, you can reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon. For a completely mild version, simply omit the cayenne and use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for added flavor depth.
- Is it possible to use chicken breast for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but it is essential to flatten them to an even 1/2-inch thickness to ensure quick cooking. This prevents the glaze from overcooking and burning before the chicken is done.
- Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
- It’s not recommended to use bone-in thighs for this dish as they require a longer cooking time, which might cause the glaze to burn. This recipe is best with quick-cooking meat.
- What side dishes pair well with Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs?
- These chicken thighs go wonderfully with Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Oven Roasted Frozen Broccoli, steamed green beans, roasted or mashed sweet potatoes, or a classic potato salad.
Tips
- For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 tsp, or omit it altogether and use smoked paprika instead of regular to maintain flavor depth.
- Use boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but ensure they are pounded to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking and to prevent the glaze from burning.
- Avoid bone-in thighs, as they require a longer cooking time which can cause the glaze to burn before the chicken is fully cooked.
- Pair the chicken with sides like rosemary roasted potatoes, oven-roasted broccoli, or mashed sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Pepper Mill – If freshly cracked pepper is desired and not already owned.
- Large Skillet – A good quality large skillet that can fit all the chicken in a single layer and handle medium heat without hot spots.
