Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

Here’s a simple, oven-baked version that comes out juicy every time.

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Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Optional: pinch of chili flakes or cayenne

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven

   • 375°F (190°C)

   • Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Season the chicken

   • Pat thighs dry (important for crispy skin).

   • Rub with oil or butter.

   • Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.

3. Add brown sugar

   • Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the thighs, pressing lightly so it sticks.

4. Bake

   • Place thighs skin-side up.

   • Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until:

     • internal temp hits 165°F

     • sugar melts into a bubbly glaze

5. Caramelize (optional but 🔥)

   • Broil for 2–3 minutes to deepen the color—watch closely!

6. Rest

   • Let sit 5 minutes before serving so juices settle.

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What makes it so good

✔ Sweet crust + savory chicken
✔ Juicy inside, sticky outside
✔ No sauce to babysit

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Easy add-ons

• Splash of soy sauce or balsamic for depth

• Fresh garlic cloves in the pan

• Honey-brown sugar combo (half & half)

Want this boneless, air-fryer, or slow-cooker style?