Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of sweet and spicy with this sriracha brown sugar chicken recipe. This dish combines the heat of sriracha sauce with the sweetness of brown sugar to create a taste sensation that's sure to delight your taste buds.

Photos of Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Most of these ingredients are commonly found in your pantry. If not, they are easily available in any supermarket. Sriracha is a type of hot sauce or chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. It is widely used in both traditional and fusion food recipes. The light brown sugar adds a depth of sweetness to counteract the heat of the sriracha.

Essential Ingredients for Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

Chicken thighs: The main star of this recipe. Choose boneless, skinless thighs for best results.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle layer of flavor.

Light brown sugar: Delivers a rich sweetness that balances the spicy sriracha sauce.

Sriracha sauce: Provides the heat in this dish.

Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Coarse ground black pepper: Gives a hint of spiciness and depth to the taste palette.

One reader, Keslie Mcdermott says:

This sriracha brown sugar chicken recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is absolutely divine. The chicken comes out tender and juicy, and the sauce caramelizes beautifully. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a little kick in their meal!

Keslie Mcdermott

Techniques Required for Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

How to mix the ingredients: Combine the garlic powder, light brown sugar, sriracha sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined to create the sauce for the chicken.

How to bake the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in an oven-safe cooking dish and pour the sauce over the chicken. Bake the chicken, uncovered, in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has caramelized.

How to adjust the sauce: If the sauce becomes dry or thick during baking, remove the chicken from the oven, add ½ cup of water to the dish, and whisk to loosen the sauce. Pour the sauce over the baked chicken before serving.

How To Make Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

It’s hot, sweet, and spicy all in one plate with this brown sugar chicken cooked in a sticky sauce with sugar and Sriracha. Serve this dish in 30 minutes!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4chicken thighs,boneless, skinless
½tspgarlic powder,or 2 cloves garlic, minced
½cuplight brown sugar,packed
3tbspSriracha sauce
1tspkosher salt
¼tspcoarse ground black pepper

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and place the chicken into an oven-safe cooking dish, pouring the rest of the sauce over the chicken in the pan.
Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. If the sauce gets a bit dry or thick, remove chicken when done, add ½ cup water and whisk to loosen sauce, then pour over baked chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 497.05kcal
Fat: 32.06g
Saturated Fat: 8.73g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.40g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.69g
Carbohydrates: 18.64g
Fiber: 0.07g
Sugar: 17.60g
Protein: 31.98g
Cholesterol: 189.14mg
Sodium: 492.20mg
Calcium: 29.70mg
Potassium: 424.43mg
Iron: 1.48mg
Vitamin A: 44.43µg
Vitamin C: 0.00mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

When preparing the sriracha brown sugar chicken, it's crucial to ensure that the chicken thighs are fully coated with the sriracha and brown sugar mixture. This will not only allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, but also create a deliciously caramelized crust on the outside of the chicken as it bakes. For an even more flavorful dish, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking. This will allow the flavors to fully infuse into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate meats in advance to save time during the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of staple ingredients like rice or quinoa to use in multiple dishes throughout the week.

Invest in tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors or slow cookers to streamline the cooking process and save time.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients and utensils.

Substitute Ingredients For Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

chicken thighs - Substitute with bone-in chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are a great substitute for chicken thighs as they have a similar flavor and texture. However, they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder. Use approximately 1 clove of minced garlic for every 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for light brown sugar. It has a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor, making it a suitable replacement in this recipe.
sriracha sauce - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce can be used as a substitute for sriracha sauce. It provides a similar spicy and garlicky flavor, making it a suitable alternative in this recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt. It provides a similar level of saltiness and can be used in the same quantity as kosher salt.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can be used as a substitute for coarse ground black pepper to add a spicy kick to the dish. Use it in moderation to adjust the heat level to your preference.

Presenting Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

Elevate the plating: Arrange the sriracha brown sugar chicken on a pristine white plate, ensuring each element is meticulously placed for visual appeal.
Incorporate garnishes: Sprinkle finely chopped chives and a dash of smoked paprika to add a pop of color and enhance the overall presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing the dish to breathe on the plate, creating a visually striking and sophisticated presentation.
Consider texture: Pair the chicken with a delicate microgreen salad to introduce contrasting textures and elevate the overall dining experience.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the chicken thighs in a symmetrical pattern, creating a visually pleasing and balanced presentation that showcases attention to detail.
Emphasize the glaze: Drizzle a small amount of the sriracha brown sugar glaze around the plate, using a steady hand to create an elegant and refined design.
Highlight the main ingredient: Place the chicken as the focal point of the dish, ensuring it takes center stage and captures the attention of the diners.

Essential Tools for Making Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

Oven: An essential appliance for baking, roasting, and broiling dishes.
Large bowl: Used for mixing ingredients and marinating meats.
Oven-safe cooking dish: A dish that can be used in the oven for baking and roasting.
Whisk: A utensil used for mixing and blending ingredients together.

Storing and Freezing Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

Let the sriracha brown sugar chicken cool completely before storing or freezing.
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze the sriracha brown sugar chicken for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Place the thawed chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If the sauce has thickened during storage or freezing, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the dish before reheating to help loosen the sauce and maintain moisture.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions of the chicken in the microwave, covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

How To Reheat Leftover Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

The best way to reheat leftover sriracha brown sugar chicken is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Another option is to reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the pan to help keep the chicken moist. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can quickly become dry and tough in the microwave.
For a tasty twist, try shredding the leftover chicken and using it in a salad, sandwich, or wrap. The bold flavors of the sriracha and brown sugar will add a delicious kick to any dish.
If you find that the sauce has thickened up too much in the fridge, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or chicken broth when reheating. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Random Fact About Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

The combination of sriracha and brown sugar in this recipe creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a delicious and unique dish.

Is Making Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?

This sriracha brown sugar chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The combination of brown sugar and sriracha sauce creates a flavorful glaze for the chicken, adding a delicious twist to a classic dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it an economical choice for a satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?

This sriracha brown sugar chicken recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of brown sugar (½ cup), which is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Sriracha sauce, although flavorful, is high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems if consumed regularly.
The recipe does not include any vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients, making it an unbalanced meal.

However, there are some positive aspects:

Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
The recipe is relatively simple and easy to prepare, which can encourage people to cook at home rather than relying on processed or fast foods.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1/4 cup or less, or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Use low-sodium soy sauce instead of kosher salt to reduce the overall sodium content.
Add vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
Serve the chicken with a side of brown rice or quinoa to add complex carbohydrates and additional nutrients.
Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the flavors of sriracha brown sugar chicken while also supporting your overall health and well-being.

Editor's Thoughts on This Sriracha Chicken Recipe

This sriracha brown sugar chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The blend of brown sugar and sriracha sauce creates a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, resulting in a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The simplicity of the recipe makes it a quick and easy dish to prepare, while the bold flavors make it a standout entrée for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and a hint of parmesan cheese, topped with chives for a burst of freshness.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and drizzled with a tangy lemon butter sauce, sprinkled with toasted almonds for added crunch.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crispy Brussels sprouts roasted with savory bacon and caramelized onions, finished with a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.

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Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: For a delicious and savory appetizer, try creating stuffed mushrooms. Fill each mushroom cap with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and bubbly. These bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to please. Top crispy slices of toasted bread with a vibrant mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for a burst of fresh flavors in every bite. This simple yet elegant dish is the perfect way to start off any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey goodness. The contrast between the velvety cake and the molten center creates a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight your taste buds with a creamy, luscious strawberry cheesecake that is perfectly balanced in sweetness and tanginess. The smooth texture of the cheesecake combined with the burst of fresh strawberries on top creates a delightful symphony of flavors.

Why trust this Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe:

This sriracha brown sugar chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, creating a mouthwatering dish that's sure to impress. The combination of brown sugar and sriracha sauce creates a unique and delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken thighs. The simple yet flavorful ingredients, including garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, promise a delightful dining experience. Trust in the harmonious balance of flavors and the ease of preparation, making this recipe a reliable choice for a delectable meal.

Share your thoughts on the Sriracha Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I reduce the amount of sriracha sauce for a milder flavor?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to suit your taste preferences. Start with a smaller amount and add more if desired.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate the chicken in the sauce for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. Keep in mind that dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor, so the taste of the dish may be slightly different.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it. Simply brush the chicken with the sauce while grilling and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).