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Sticky baked chicken thighs with caramelized balsamic glaze in a baking dish

Sticky Baked Chicken Thighs

Juicy bone-in chicken thighs baked in a sweet and savory balsamic brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a gorgeous sticky coating. One pan, 10 minute prep, on the table in 55 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 8 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce low-sodium recommended
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • chopped parsley or green onions for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with foil for easier cleanup.
  2. Whisk together the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until sugar is mostly dissolved.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish skin side up in a single layer.
  4. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and use a spoon to coat each piece well, including under the edges of the skin.
  5. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) and the sauce has reduced into a thick, sticky glaze.
  6. Spoon the pan sauce back over the chicken at least twice during baking to build up the glaze. Do this at the 20 and 35 minute marks.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 8 hours before baking. Always bake uncovered so the sauce reduces properly. For a more caramelized finish, broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes at the very end. Use tamari and gluten-free Worcestershire to make this recipe gluten free.
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