For years, my Glazed Pork Chops recipe has gone viral because it’s so simple and tasty, and the sweet and spicy glaze keeps the pork chops nice and juicy. While I’ve often told people that the glaze works just as well on chicken, I had yet to showcase that particular combo on the blog. Until now. I think I might even like these Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs more than the pork chops because they’re naturally even softer and more juicy. They also reheat well and are great for meal prep. ;).
Chicken is a versatile protein that can be cooked in a lot of different ways. On the other hand, glazing is one of the best ways to add flavor and moisture to chicken. A glaze is a sauce, either sweet or savory, that is brushed on the chicken right before it’s done cooking. If you do it right, glazing can take a simple chicken dish and turn it into a truly amazing meal. In this complete guide, I’ll talk about everything there is to know about chicken glazes, from the basics to new glaze recipes. Get ready to make chicken dishes that are even better!
Understanding Chicken Glazes
Let’s go over some basic facts about glazes before we get into the different kinds. Usually, sweeteners, acids, oils, and spices are mixed together to make a glaze. Honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar are often used as sweeteners. Vinegar, citrus juice, or wine are often used as acidity sources. While olive oil or butter contribute moisture and richness. Herbs, garlic, ginger and other spices infuse aromas and flavors.
When you brush the glaze on the chicken in the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking, it really works. This lets it caramelize, giving the outside of the chicken a shiny lacquered finish. Visually, glazing gives chicken an appetizing glisten. While also making a tasty, crunchy crust that goes well with the juicy meat inside. As a result, the glaze soaks into the chicken and serves as both a marinade and a baste.
Popular Glaze Flavors
There are so many glazes for chicken that you can choose from, from flavors that are good for the whole family to more gourmet ones. Here are some of the most popular options:
Sweet and Tangy
These glazes strike a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. Honey-soy is a classic pairing, mixing honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. For a more tropical twist, pineapple glazes use the natural sweet-tart juice of fresh pineapple.
Spicy
If you like heat, spice up your chicken with glazes made from sriracha, harissa or cayenne. They add just the right amount of kick and smoky aroma.
Herb and Garlic
Rosemary, thyme, oregano and garlic are aromatic herbs perfect for infusing herby brightness into glazes. Especially delicious with lemon and olive oil.
Asian
For Chinese-inspired chicken, a teriyaki glaze with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and brown sugar adds a perfect hint of umami.
BBQ
Classics like BBQ sauce, ketchup and molasses deliver sweet, smoky and tangy flavors perfect for barbecued chicken off the grill.
Fruity
Beyond pineapple, try glazes made with orange, apricot, cherry or berry juices. They lend a refreshing, summery twist to chicken.
Mix and Match Your Own Glaze Recipes
Once you understand the basic components – sweeteners, acids, oils and spices – it’s easy to mix and match ingredients to create your own signature glazes. Try using local ingredients like regional honeys, craft ciders or microbrew beers. Here are some examples to spark your creativity:
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Orange-Chipotle: orange juice, honey, olive oil, chipotle peppers, cumin
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Bacon-Maple: maple syrup, bacon drippings, brown sugar, cayenne
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Mango-Jalapeño: mango puree, lime juice, avocado oil, jalapeños
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Rosemary-Lemon: lemon juice, honey, rosemary, garlic
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microbrew beer, mustard, brown sugar, thyme
The options are endless. Part of the fun is experimenting with unique flavor combinations to discover new favorites. Keep tasting and tweaking until you find the perfect glaze for your palate.
Glazing Techniques and Serving Suggestions
To achieve glaze perfection, follow these pro tips:
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Wait until the end – Apply glaze only during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking so it caramelizes instead of burning.
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Brush it on – Use a brush or spoon to evenly coat all surfaces of the chicken.
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Don’t overdo it – Add glaze in a thin layer to prevent a gummy texture. Build up layers for thicker coating.
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Get creative with pairings – Serve glazed chicken with fun sides like creamy polenta, coconut rice, crispy Brussels sprouts or fresh green salad.
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Make leftovers delicious – Glazed chicken keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the flavors.
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Prepare glazes in advance – Most glazes can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
Recipe Inspiration
To get you started on your glazing adventures, here are 3 must-try recipes highlighting popular flavors:
Sweet and Tangy Honey Soy Glazed Chicken
This easy 5 ingredient glaze comes together in minutes. The honey and soy sauce caramelize into a irresistible sticky coating. Served over rice and garnished with green onions.
Spicy Sriracha Maple Chicken
For lovers of heat, this lip-smacking combo of maple syrup spiked with sriracha will light your tastebuds on fire. Cool it down with a tangy yogurt sauce.
Herby Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken
Juicy lemon and fragrant rosemary infuse this chicken with Mediterranean brightness. The garlic adds a little bite. Serve alongside couscous or orzo pasta salad.
Take Your Chicken to New Flavor Heights
As you can see, glazing opens up a whole new world of possibilities for chicken dishes. It allows you to add any flavor profile you can imagine – from family-friendly and classic to adventurous and gourmet. The key is picking high quality ingredients and letting your creativity run wild. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected combinations. With the right glaze, you can take your chicken from boring to extraordinary. So brush on a glaze tonight and get ready to become the new star of the dinner table!
Can I Make the Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs Less Spicy?
Yep, if you want just a little heat, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 tsp. If you want a completely non-spicy version, leave the cayenne pepper out and swap the regular paprika for smoked paprika to add complexity.
Can I Use Bone-In Thighs?
I don’t suggest bone-in thighs for this recipe because they take much longer to cook and a longer cook time will likely cause the glaze to burn. This recipe cooks quick and needs a quick-cooking meat to match.
You only have 30 mins, make Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs
FAQ
What goes well on top of chicken?
A Saucy Chicken Dinner in Minutes Since there’s lots of sauce that deserves to be soaked up, we love serving the chicken over rice, orzo, or mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread. A simple leafy greens salad or steamed green beans are also nice additions to round out the meal.
What can I coat my chicken with?
Flour: All-purpose flour helps coat the chicken to produce a crispy exterior! You can swap with gluten-free flour if needed.
How to glaze a roast chicken?
While the chicken is roasting, heat the honey in a bowl in the microwave or in a small saucepan to make it easier to brush. Once the chicken has been cooked at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, use a pastry brush to cover the whole top and sides of the chicken with honey.
Can I use balsamic glaze on chicken?
Tender and full of flavor, this Balsamic Glazed Chicken is super easy and tastes amazing. Our delicious glaze make this chicken packed with flavor and a perfect mid week meal.
What is a chicken glaze?
A chicken glaze is a thick, sweet coating with a citrus undertone that gives chicken a glossy and flavorful appearance. It complements the meat’s flavor and negates the need for a dipping sauce or dressing. Glazing chicken requires a little more effort than baking it normally, but will produce a significantly tastier dish.
What sauces do you use for baked chicken?
There are countless sauces and marinades that can be used to give your chicken an extra kick of flavor. From classic dishes like teriyaki and pesto to more unusual options like balsamic glaze and honey mustard, there is something for everyone. In this article, I will share 10 of my favorite sauces for baked chicken.
How to glaze chicken breasts?
To glaze chicken breasts, broil them to add a shiny appearance and crispy texture to the glaze. Apply the glaze directly to the chicken breasts during the broiling process. You can also glaze a whole chicken in this manner, adjusting the cooking time according to its size.
How do you make BBQ chicken glaze?
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. This will be your delicious BBQ chicken glaze. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them on the preheated grill.
What is a good sauce for grilled chicken?
To give roasted or grilled chicken more flavor, a creamy garlic sauce will bring out the savory notes, and a sweet-and-sour glaze will bring out the sweetness. Secondly, sauces can add texture to baked chicken dishes by providing contrast between crunchy and smooth elements.
How do you glaze chicken thighs?
Mix the glaze of honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and olive oil. 4. Add salt and pepper to taste to the chicken, and then brush the glaze on both sides. 5. Place over direct heat (a closed hood is preferred). Flip the chicken and brush with glaze every 5-6 minutes. 6.