Irresistible Caramel Chicken Recipe for Sweet Savory Bliss

There’s something magical about the aroma of caramelizing chicken wafting through your kitchen. Imagine sweet, sticky goodness enveloping succulent chicken pieces, creating a dish that dances between savory and sweet with every bite. You can practically hear the clinking of forks and the happy chatter as everyone gathers around the table, eagerly anticipating this delicious treat.

On special occasions or simply a cozy night in, caramel chicken transforms an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience. Trust me when I say this dish will make your taste buds sing and leave you craving more.

I still remember the first time I made caramel chicken for my family. They all went silent after the first bite—an unusual phenomenon amidst my usual dinner chaos!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs offer juiciness and flavor; they’re less likely to dry out compared to breasts.

• Brown Sugar: Choose light brown sugar for a balanced sweetness that complements the soy sauce.

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

• Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger for a zingy kick that elevates the dish.

• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds depth; it’s best to use firm cloves for maximum flavor.

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add color and freshness as a garnish; they brighten up the dish beautifully.

• Cornstarch: Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce and give it that enticing glossy finish.

• Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil at the end brings richness and nutty flavor without overpowering the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Caramel Chicken

Strong flavors take center stage in this simple yet delightful recipe that’s sure to impress.

Prepare Your Chicken: Begin by cutting boneless skinless thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper before setting them aside.

Create Your Sauce Base: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable.

Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in batches and sear until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes total.

Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour your prepared sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Thicken That Sauce!: Allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes or until it thickens beautifully. You want it glossy like a freshly polished car—tempting!

Garnish and Serve!: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped green onions on top, and serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy your culinary creation while basking in compliments from friends and family!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in juiciness, then prepare the sauce while it cooks to save time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out soy sauce for coconut aminos for a lighter flavor or add crushed garlic for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Caramel Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat for best results.

The first time I made Caramel Chicken, my friends couldn’t stop asking for the recipe. It was a hit at our dinner party, and I felt like a culinary rock star!

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

How can I make Caramel Chicken spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick.

What sides pair well with Caramel Chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

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Caramel Chicken

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Caramel Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, creating an irresistible meal that will impress family and friends. Succulent chicken thighs are caramelized to perfection in a glossy sauce made with brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, making each bite a flavorful experience. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, promising to be the star of your dinner table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces; season with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear chicken pieces until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken; stir to coat evenly and simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened.
5. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor, marinate chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking. - You can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a lighter option. - Adjust spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños during cooking.