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Caramelized Baked Chicken

Caramelized Baked Chicken
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Caramelized Baked Chicken features irresistibly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat, achieved through a perfect balance of natural sugars and heat that create a golden-brown crust locking in moisture. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a rich, slightly sweet taste that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks), about 2 to 3 pounds

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary (to taste)
  • Cayenne pepper or chili flakes (for spicy variation, to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lemon or orange (for citrus twist)
  • Honey in place of brown sugar (for honey glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin and beautiful caramelization instead of steaming the meat.
  2. Make the Marinade: Whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. This mixture coats the chicken and imparts a sweet-savory flavor.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator, to absorb the flavors thoroughly.
  4. Preheat Oven and Arrange Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the marinated chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper to catch drips and make cleanup easier.
  5. Bake and Caramelize: Bake the chicken for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on thickness, until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through baking, carefully baste the chicken with pan juices to boost caramelization.
  6. Finish and Rest: For an extra caramelized finish, broil the chicken on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices before serving.

Notes

  • Always start with dry chicken skin for maximum crispiness and caramelization.
  • Use a wire rack over the baking sheet for even cooking and better heat circulation.
  • Longer marinating enhances flavors and caramelization.
  • Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to promote even cooking.
  • Baste chicken wisely to add moisture without compromising skin crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramelized chicken, baked chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, sweet and savory chicken

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