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Caramelized Baked Chicken

Caramelized Baked Chicken
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Caramelized Baked Chicken features tender, juicy bone-in chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze made from brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice. Baked to golden perfection with a sticky caramelized crust, this easy one-pan dish balances rich caramel flavors with aromatic herbs, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 to 3 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (substitute tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Fresh Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)

Variations (Optional)

  • Chili flakes or cayenne pepper for spice
  • Honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for different sweetness
  • Fresh basil, oregano, or sage for herbal infusion
  • Smoked paprika for smoky flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and rub it in thoroughly to coat every piece. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help even cooking.
  4. Arrange Chicken and Pour Extra Marinade: Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade evenly over the chicken to boost caramelization during baking.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with pan juices to encourage a sticky, caramelized glaze.
  6. Broil for the Perfect Finish: Turn on the broiler for the last 3 to 5 minutes to develop a golden caramelized crust. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

  • Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
  • Using a meat thermometer helps achieve perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
  • Basting the chicken halfway through baking boosts moisture and flavor.
  • Longer marinating (2-4 hours or overnight) enriches caramelization and depth of flavor.
  • Broil carefully and watch closely to avoid burning sugary glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramelized baked chicken, baked chicken recipe, caramel chicken, easy chicken dinner, one-pan chicken, sweet and savory chicken, gluten-free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/caramelized-baked-chicken/