Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs

User Reviews

4.9

131 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    31758 kcal

  • Cuisine

    American

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are coated with a brown sugar and bold spices blend, which caramelizes in the skillet to form a glossy, sweet, and spicy glaze. The texture balances a tender interior with a sticky, flavorful crust. The seasoning mix highlights paprika and cayenne pepper, giving a mild heat that complements the sweetness. This dish is suitable for a satisfying dinner, offering a straightforward cooking method that highlights the natural juices of boneless, skinless thighs.

Description

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned liberally with a mixture of brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The dry rub creates a deep caramelized glaze when cooked in olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Cooking both sides until the sugar browns allows the thighs to develop a sticky, flavorful exterior while retaining juiciness inside. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle sharpness to balance the flavor.

The glaze delivers a combination of sweet and spicy notes, while the texture features a tender and moist interior with a slightly crisp caramel coating. The method is simple, relying on stovetop skillet cooking without pre-marinating, making it an efficient option for a savory meal.

Serve these glazed chicken thighs hot, either on their own or alongside steamed vegetables or a simple grain to complement the caramelized flavors. The recipe emphasizes a balance of seasoning that avoids overwhelming heat yet maintains a noticeable kick from the cayenne.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar $0.12
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp paprika $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • black pepper $0.05, freshly cracked
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
  • 1.5 lbs. chicken thighs $4.49, boneless, skinless, 4-5 pieces

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper (10-15 cranks of a pepper mill). 
  2. Place the chicken thighs on a cutting board and pat dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the chicken, coating both sides liberally.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium. Once hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat. Add the coated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and the brown sugar has turned into a deep brown glaze. Serve hot.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1Serving Calories 317.58kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 12.55g (4%) Protein 28.65g (57%) Fat 18.48g (28%) Sodium 483.23mg (20%) Fiber 0.2g (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 31758 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1Serving
Calories 317.58kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 12.55g 4%
Protein 28.65g 57%
Fat 18.48g 28%
Sodium 483.23mg 20%
Fiber 0.2g 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.9

131 reviews
Excellent

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