Description
These sweet and spicy glazed chicken thighs offer a perfect balance of bold flavors and juicy, succulent meat. By caramelizing brown sugar with a hint of cayenne pepper, this one-skillet dish creates a sticky, irresistibly savory coating. This quick, high-protein meal is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, delivering a restaurant-quality experience in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each thigh.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place chicken in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Sear for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and the sugars have caramelized into a dark, sticky glaze.
Remove from the skillet and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use bone-in thighs if preferred, but increase cook time by 8-10 minutes. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; they reheat beautifully for easy lunches.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Meals
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Fusion