Description
Deliciously sticky baked chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made with ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This simple oven-baked recipe yields caramelized, juicy chicken perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 700g / 1.4lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs (5-7 pieces)
Glaze
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce (all purpose or light, NOT dark)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C/420°F (or 200°C fan).
- Prepare Pan: Use a pan large enough to fit the chicken thighs lying flat without overlapping. Line the pan with foil for easier cleanup, and place the chicken thighs in the pan.
- Mix Glaze and Apply First Coat: In a bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic to make the glaze. Spoon about two-thirds of the glaze over the top surface of each chicken thigh, leaving the undersides uncoated. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
- Bake Chicken: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15 minutes.
- Prepare for Broiling: Remove the pan from the oven. Change the oven setting to grill (broil) on high and adjust the oven shelf so that the chicken will be about 20cm (8 inches) from the heat source.
- Apply Second Glaze and Pan Juices: Spoon the pan juices over the chicken, then spoon or dab the reserved remaining glaze onto the chicken thighs to enhance flavor and stickiness.
- Broil for Caramelization: Broil the chicken thighs for 8 to 10 minutes or until the surface is nicely caramelized and sticky.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest uncovered for a few minutes before serving. Serve alongside the pan juices for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use skinless and boneless chicken thighs for even cooking and easier preparation.
- For a smoky flavor, you can briefly char the chicken on a grill pan before baking, but this is optional.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet glaze.
- If you only have dark soy sauce, reduce the quantity as it is saltier and stronger in flavor than light soy sauce.
- Broiling time may vary depending on your oven’s strength; keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Resting the chicken helps retain its juices and enhances tenderness.
