Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs : Perfect for Busy Weeknight Dinners!

Name: Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chicken broth or water; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice; Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Posted on December 21, 2025

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This Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in just one skillet for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the seasonings or veggies to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your home!

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s gather what we need for this flavor-packed meal! Here’s your grocery list:

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These babies are super juicy and packed with flavor. Bone-in and skin-on? A match made in chicken heaven!
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar: This will give the chicken a beautiful caramelization and that sweet flavor I just can’t resist.
2 tbsp olive oil: For that lovely, crispy skin and a touch of richness.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic is life, right? This adds tons of flavor, trust me!
1 tbsp smoked paprika: Adds some lovely smokiness, which makes everything just taste better.
1 tsp onion powder: Simple, but great for enhancing that umami flavor.
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt: A couple pinches of this really elevate the dish, making everything pop!
1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked is best, but do what you can.
1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Just a little moisture to help everything along.
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice: A touch of acidity is perfect for balancing that sweetness. I usually have both on hand!
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish: Because let’s be real, a little green makes everything prettier!

Let’s Get Cooking!

How to Make Quick and Easy Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab those chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels, this helps with getting the skin nice and crispy!
Next, in a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, a couple pinches of salt, and black pepper. This blend is your secret weapon for juicy flavor!
Now, rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs. Don’t be shy! Make sure every little spot is coated; the more, the better.
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 6-8 minutes until they’re golden brown. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy that sizzle!
Flip the chicken thighs over so they’re skin-side up and pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around them in the pan. This will help them stay juicy and create a lovely sauce.
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through at 165°F (74°C). The smell wafting through your kitchen? Yeah, you’ll want to bottle that up forever!
When they’re done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps all those juicy flavors settle. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Personal Connection

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and delicious after a long day. I’m a real sucker for that combination of sweetness and smokiness from the brown sugar and paprika. And the best part is it’s so versatile! You can throw in whatever vegetables you have left over or even try different cuts of chicken.

Honestly, every time I make this, my family can’t get enough. That says a lot, coming from my picky eight-year-old who is usually skeptical of anything that resembles a “fancy meal.”

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Mexican Pork Pozole, my Caribbean Chicken and Rice, or my Oven Roasted Vegetables!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This meal comes together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is not on your side. Plus, you’ll only have to deal with one pan, which means less cleanup!

Comfort Food

This chicken dish is loaded with tons of flavor and is the kind of comfort food that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a plate and a smile. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need something familiar and cozy.

Customizable

Whether you have a few extra veggies in the fridge or you prefer chicken breasts instead, this recipe is totally customizable. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s like a clean out the fridge meal but way more delicious!

Kid-Friendly

Your family will love this! Honestly, I’ve yet to hear a complaint when I put this on the table. The sweet, smoky flavor combo is a hit with kids and adults alike. You might just get extra hugs for this one!

Budget-Friendly

This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen, no need to break the bank! Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that feels fancy but doesn’t cost a fortune?

Serving & Storage

How to Serve This Chicken

I love serving my Quick and Easy Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Pair it with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal.

Leftover Storage

If you manage to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Reheating Instructions

Best way to reheat? Toss those thighs back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated throughout. This keeps them nice and crispy, nobody wants soggy chicken!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! You can totally make this chicken ahead and freeze it. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep for about 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above!

Wrapping it Up!

So there you have it my go-to Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs recipe that’s not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. I know how hectic weeknights can be, and this dish perfectly fits the bill when you want something that tastes home-cooked without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s totally become a part of my weekly rotation and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home too!

Happy cooking! And remember, the kitchen is a joyful place where we can share love, laughter, and good food, so enjoy every moment in it! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.