This recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a sweet and sticky caramelized sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 whole bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (breast, thighs, or a combination)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger (if using), and a pinch of black pepper.
- Place the chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then baste the chicken with the pan drippings.
- Continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened and caramelized. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally during this time for extra flavor and crispness.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the caramelized sauce over the chicken and enjoy!
Tips:
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they cook faster than bone-in pieces.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the sauce. Add a splash of sriracha for a kick, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Serve this dish with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
