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Hi everyone, Tracy here! I’m so excited to share with you all today one of my favorite ways to cook chicken – caramelized chicken. This dish brings me right back to childhood and evokes such wonderful, cozy feelings.

I remember coming home from school to the incredible aroma of chicken caramelizing in my mom’s big cast iron skillet. She would cook the chicken low and slow, allowing the sugars in the soy sauce glaze to gently candy around the crispy skin. With each bite, my eyes would roll back in my head from the sweet, salty, savory flavors. The tender, juicy meat was so comforting and satisfying.

Even now when I make caramelized chicken for my family, it instantly makes the whole house smell like home. Seeing my kids’ smiles when they take that first bite warms my heart. And the soul-soothing texture of the crispy exterior giving way to the moist, falling-off-the-bone meat just feels like a big hug.

I can’t wait to share this cherished recipe for caramelized chicken thighs with all of you! It’s so simple to make but packs incredible flavor. With just a few pantry staples and a skillet, you can have an easy, weeknight chicken dinner the whole family will ask for again and again. Or double the recipe for perfect party food!

Table of Contents

Caramelized Chicken Recipes

Caramelized Chicken with lime and ginger

Making a delicious Caramelized Chicken meal is easy and fast. You will only need three main ingredients: chicken, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also serve it with steamed rice. Read on for tips and techniques. Make this classic Thai dish today! Here are some tips to make it even better! You can also serve it with your favorite rice. Here is how to make a caramelized chicken: Heat a large saute pan on high. Add the chicken to the pan. Let it cook for about 20 minutes. Pour in the sugar until it is completely dissolved. After a few minutes, turn the chicken over and add the rest of the sauce. Allow to reduce the mixture until it becomes a nice thick syrup. At this point, you can add chiles and cilantro.

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Course: Dinner, Main dishes, Party

Cuisine: American, French

Diet: Low Calorie

Keyword: chicken, ginger, lime

CookingStyle: Sautéing, Stir-frying

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 25

Servings: servings

Calories: 646kcal

Author: Tracy Hilton

Cost: 15

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Equipment

Easy-to-cook Caramelized Chicken with lime and ginger 2

large pan

Easy-to-cook Caramelized Chicken with lime and ginger 3

small bowl

Ingredients

2 tablespoons grated ginger
1 tablespoon lime juice
5 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 garlic cloves minced
1/4 cup water
8 chicken thighs boneless
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 mushroooms package sliced , optional
salt and pepper to taste
Stems of cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, lime juice and water.
In a large pan, heat vegetable oil to medium-high. Sauté the chicken about 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Set chicken aside. Add a bit of oil if necessary and salute mushrooms till soft. Set aside as well.
Reduce heat to medium, and deglaze the pan with the prepared honey sauce. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-4 minutes until it has thickened. Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro leaves and lime juice.

Video

Notes

For the best flavor, you should make the chicken with a flavorful marinade. Adding salt will make the chicken taste bitter. However, salt should be a last-minute addition. The meat should be cooked all the way through. You can add other ingredients to the marinade if you want. There is no need to add sugar or salt to the sauce. Once the chicken is done, the sauce will become caramelized. You can serve it with rice or eat it with a spoon.

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Nutrition

© Food And Meal

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

Alternative Method: Caramelized Chicken in a Slow Cooker

To prepare Slow Cooker Caramelized Chicken, start by placing chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar, stirring continuously until it transforms into a rich amber caramel, taking about 5-7 minutes, being cautious to prevent burning. Carefully add soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes to the caramelized sugar, stirring until well combined. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring even coating. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with the sauce’s flavors. In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water, then add it to the slow cooker, stirring well. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low until the sauce thickens. Serve the Caramelized Chicken over cooked white rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation. This slow-cooked dish promises incredibly tender chicken infused with the sweet and savory flavors of the caramel sauce, offering a delightful culinary experience.

Tips for making Caramelized Chicken

Cooking Tips

I find that choosing the right cut of chicken is key – bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks work beautifully. The skin helps the chicken caramelize to a gorgeous mahogany hue. I also like to pat the chicken dry before cooking. This helps ensure the skin gets ultra crispy and allows the sauce to coat evenly.

My favorite part is when I get to stir and toss the chicken, encouraging it to brown and caramelize. I find using a heavy skillet allows the chicken to fry more evenly. Don’t be afraid to let it really crisp and char in spots – that’s where the complex flavors come from! Just be sure to keep turning the pieces gently to prevent burning.

Once I add in the sweet, salty sauce mixture, the aroma is utterly intoxicating. I give everything a good stir to allow the sauce to penetrate every nook and cranny while being careful not to break the skin. Then I let it simmer undisturbed, basting frequently with the thickening sauce, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.

Resist the urge to rush it or crank up the heat too high. Allowing plenty of time for the sauce to slowly candy around the skin results in the most succulent, flavorful meat that literally melts in your mouth. Heaven!

Serving Suggestions

Caramelized chicken proves to be incredibly versatile, harmonizing effortlessly with a variety of dishes to create delightful culinary experiences. Among the flavorful recipes that complement the sweet and savory chicken, Soy Sauce Eggs stand out, offering a beautiful contrast with their salty marinade while also providing an additional protein element. Similarly, Teriyaki Salmon, glazed in a sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce, pairs seamlessly with caramelized chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. For an unexpected dessert option, serving creamy matcha ice cream alongside caramelized chicken offers a delightful interplay of bitter-sweet flavors and contrasting textures, cutting through the richness of the dish. Moving on to warm desserts, both Blueberry Cobbler and Cranberry Cobbler prove to be stellar companions to caramelized chicken, with their fruity sweetness creating a perfect balance with the savory sauce of the chicken. These recipes showcase the versatility of caramelized chicken, enhancing any meal with its irresistible flavor profile and adaptability.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Caramelized Chicken

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are commonly used for convenience, you can certainly use bone-in thighs or other cuts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as bone-in chicken may take longer to cook.
How do I store leftovers? To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Can I make this dish less sweet? If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar in the caramel sauce to your taste. You can also add a bit more soy sauce for a saltier balance.
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, this Caramelized Chicken recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I freeze Caramelized Chicken? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover Caramelized Chicken for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope you’ll give these caramelized chicken cookies a try soon. They may sound unconventional, but the sweet and savory flavors pair together wonderfully for a unique cookie experience. If you bake up a batch, be sure to share photos with me and the Food and Meal community!

I’m so glad I could pass along my recipe for these one-of-a-kind cookies along with some helpful tips I’ve learned. Creating new twists on classic recipes is one of my favorite parts of cooking and baking. I hope these caramelized chicken cookies bring your family and friends as much joy and delicious surprise as they have mine over the years.

Thanks for spending time in the kitchen with me today! Don’t forget to visit Food and Meal at foodandmeal.com for many more tasty recipes to try. Now let’s get baking up something unexpected!

Tracy Hilton

Kitchen Staff at Food And Meal Restaurant

I'm Tracy F Hilton, a devoted culinary professional shaped by a mix of natural aptitude and refined skills from a top culinary school. In the dynamic kitchen environment, I'm a catalyst for seamless operations and timely, high-quality dish preparation. My culinary creations are a blend of art and skill, offering visually and gustatorily delightful experiences. A learner at heart, I'm continuously honing my craft, embracing new techniques, and culinary innovations. My positive, collaborative nature is amplified in fast-paced settings, showcasing my commitment to team efficiency and guest satisfaction. Each dish I present is a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation, promising an unforgettable dining experience that marries taste, aroma, and aesthetic appeal in perfect harmony. Join me on a gastronomic journey where each bite encapsulates a rich, evolving narrative of flavors and culinary artistry.

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