Go Back

Sticky Baked Chicken Thighs

Tender chicken thighs baked with a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, glossy coating.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs approximately 6-8 pieces
  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar packed
  • 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • sliced green onions or sesame seeds optional garnish

Equipment

  • Rimmed baking pan
  • aluminum foil
  • small bowl and whisk
  • Instant read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until completely smooth.
  3. Place chicken thighs in the prepared pan in a single layer with space between pieces. Spoon about 2/3 of the glaze over the chicken, coating each piece evenly. Reserve remaining 1/3 of glaze.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove pan from oven. Spoon pan juices back over the chicken, then apply the reserved glaze to each piece.
  6. Switch oven to broil setting on high. Return pan to oven about 8 inches from heat source and broil for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully, until surface is bubbly, sticky, and beautifully caramelized.
  7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra pan juices and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Storage: Keep in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Excellent for meal prep. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or microwave at 70% power. Substitutions: Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar can replace apple cider vinegar. Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat. Hoisin sauce can replace half the ketchup for deeper flavor. Serving: Best with steamed jasmine rice and roasted broccoli or bok choy. Pro Tip: Line pan with foil for easy cleanup - the caramelized sugar will stick to bare metal. Watch carefully during broiling as sugar can burn quickly.