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Sticky Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

This quick and delicious recipe for boneless, skinless chicken thighs is perfect for an effortless dinner. With a savory-sweet glaze, it’s versatile, made with pantry staples, and pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides. Enjoy the caramelized goodness with minimal prep time!
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Universal
Keyword: Sticky Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 700 g / 1.4lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless (5–7 pieces)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar lightly packed
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp soy sauce light or all-purpose, not dark

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 220°C (420°F) or 200°C (fan).
  • Prepare a baking pan large enough to lay the chicken thighs flat without overlapping. Line it with foil to ease cleanup and arrange the thighs in the pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine all glaze ingredients. Spread about two-thirds of the glaze generously over the top of the chicken, reserving the rest for later.
  • Bake the chicken for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then remove the pan.
  • Switch your oven setting to grill/broil on high, adjusting the rack to position the chicken 20 cm (8 inches) below the heat source.
  • Drizzle the pan juices over the chicken, then brush or dab the remaining glaze evenly across the surface.
  • Broil the chicken for 8–10 minutes until the surface becomes caramelized and slightly crispy.
  • Allow the chicken to rest uncovered for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the pan juices over the top for added flavor.

Notes

  • Chicken Variations:
    • If using smaller thighs, reduce the baking time slightly.
    • For bone-in thighs or drumsticks, bake skin-side down for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F), flip, add glaze, and continue baking for 30 minutes, basting occasionally.
    • For chicken breasts, consider broiling for better caramelization or bake with all the glaze at 220°C (425°F) for 18 minutes.
  • Glaze Substitutions:
    • Ketchup: Use tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, or similar alternatives.
    • Brown Sugar: Substitute with white sugar, honey, maple syrup, or other sweet liquids.
    • Soy Sauce: Replace with fish sauce (reduce to 1 tbsp) or similar.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: Opt for white vinegar, rice vinegar, or champagne vinegar.
    • Worcestershire Sauce: Enhance flavor by adding black pepper and extra dashes of other ingredients.
  • Tips:
    • Avoid parchment paper under the grill; it may catch fire.
    • Focus on glazing only the top; the underside will absorb flavor from the pan juices.