Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Chops With Ginger Sesame Drizzle

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make? These Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Chops with a vibrant Ginger Sesame Drizzle are the answer! This recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The chicken chops get beautifully caramelized in a rich brown sugar glaze, while the ginger sesame drizzle adds a fragrant and slightly nutty finish. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!

What You’ll Need

• 4 Chicken Thigh Chops (about 200g / 7oz each): We’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh chops for maximum flavor and juiciness. The bone adds depth of flavor during cooking, and the skin crisps up beautifully, creating a delightful texture.
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Soy Sauce (low-sodium, halal-certified): Soy sauce provides the umami backbone of the glaze. Opting for low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness, and choosing a halal-certified option caters to dietary preferences.
• 3 Tbsp (45g / 1½oz) Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is the star of the glaze, lending a rich, molasses-like sweetness and helping the chicken caramelize beautifully. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, with dark brown sugar offering a more intense flavor.
• 1 tsp (5g / 0.2oz) Freshly Grated Ginger: Fresh ginger is crucial for that warm, spicy aroma and flavor. Grating it yourself ensures the most potent and vibrant taste.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic adds a pungent and savory note to the glaze, complementing the sweetness of the brown sugar and the warmth of the ginger.
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) Sesame Oil: Sesame oil contributes a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor that’s essential to Asian-inspired cuisine. A little goes a long way, so use it judiciously.
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar provides a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the glaze and brightens the overall flavor profile.
• ½ tsp (2g / 0.07oz) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the other flavors. Freshly ground pepper offers the most robust aroma and taste.
• 2 Tbsp (15g / 0.5oz) Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to lightly coat the chicken chops, creating a slightly crispy exterior and helping the glaze adhere better.
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Vegetable Oil (for searing): Vegetable oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for searing the chicken chops at high heat.
• 1 Tbsp (10g / 0.35oz) Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor as a garnish. Toasting them enhances their aroma and taste.
• 2 Tbsp (6g / 0.2oz) Thinly Sliced Green Onions: Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant pop of color as a garnish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• Chicken Thigh Chops: You can substitute with bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks or bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Brown Sugar: Maple syrup or honey can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used in a pinch, but use a little less as they are more acidic.
• Sesame Oil: A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used if you don’t have sesame oil, but you’ll miss out on the distinctive flavor.

Detailed Instructions for Perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Chops

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken thigh chops completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides generously with freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy – the pepper adds a lovely depth of flavor.
2. Coat with Cornstarch: Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Lightly coat each chicken chop in the cornstarch, ensuring an even layer. Gently shake off any excess cornstarch; you want a light coating, not a thick one. This creates a slight crust that helps with browning and keeps the chicken moist.
3. Sear the Chicken Chops: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough. Carefully add the chicken chops to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy. This step builds flavor and texture.
4. Flip and Sear the Other Side: Flip the chicken chops and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. You’re not looking to cook them through at this stage, just to get some color. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. The glaze should thicken and coat the back of a spoon – this is how you know it’s ready.
6. Glaze and Bake: Brush half of the prepared brown sugar glaze generously over both sides of the seared chicken chops. Transfer the skillet to a pre-heated oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
7. Finish the Glaze: While the chicken is baking, return the remaining glaze to the saucepan and simmer for another 2 minutes. This will ensure it’s glossy and slightly sticky – perfect for drizzling.
8. Rest and Drizzle: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken chops rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Drizzle the hot glaze over each chop in a smooth, even line.
9. Garnish and Serve: Plate the chicken chops on a white or light-colored plate to make the colors pop. Arrange the glaze drizzle in a decorative swirl. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added color, texture, and flavor. Serve immediately.

Choosing the Right Chicken Chops

For this recipe, bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh chops are the best choice. The bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist, while the skin crisps up beautifully during searing, providing a delightful textural contrast. If you can’t find thigh chops, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, but reduce the baking time slightly to prevent them from drying out.

The Magic of Ginger and Sesame

The combination of ginger and sesame is a cornerstone of Asian-inspired cuisine, and for good reason! Ginger provides a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar, while sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma and flavor. Toasted sesame seeds further enhance this flavor profile, adding a delightful crunch.

Why Brown Sugar Glazing Works

Brown sugar isn’t just about sweetness; it contains molasses, which adds a depth of flavor and helps create a beautiful, caramelized glaze. The molasses also contributes to the glaze’s stickiness, ensuring it clings to the chicken chops. The soy sauce provides umami, balancing the sweetness and adding savory notes. The rice vinegar cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious flavor balance.

Tips for a Crispy Skin

Achieving perfectly crispy chicken skin is all about technique. First, ensure the chicken is thoroughly dry before searing. Second, don’t overcrowd the skillet – this will lower the oil temperature and result in steamed, rather than seared, skin. Finally, resist the urge to move the chicken around while it’s searing; let it sit undisturbed for the full 3-4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.

Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

This Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Chops with Ginger Sesame Drizzle pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Steamed rice is a classic choice, allowing you to soak up all the delicious glaze. Sautéed greens, such as bok choy or spinach, provide a healthy and flavorful contrast. A simple Asian-inspired slaw or a side of roasted vegetables also complements the dish beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use honey instead of brown sugar? While you can, the flavor will be different. Brown sugar’s molasses content is key to the glaze’s unique taste.
• Can I make this glaze ahead of time? Yes, you can make the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? You can transfer the seared chicken chops to a baking dish before baking.

These Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Chops are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access later!

recipes brown sugar pork chops

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• Author: Liana Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Chops offer a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. The chicken is caramelized in a rich glaze and finished with a fragrant ginger sesame drizzle.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 Chicken Thigh Chops (200g / 7oz each)
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Soy Sauce (low-sodium)
• 3 Tbsp (45g / 1½oz) Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp (5g / 0.2oz) Fresh Ginger, grated
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) Sesame Oil
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) Rice Vinegar
• ½ tsp (2g / 0.07oz) Black Pepper
• 2 Tbsp (15g / 0.5oz) Cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Vegetable Oil (for searing)
• 2 Tbsp (10g / 0.35oz) Toasted Sesame Seeds
• 2 Tbsp (6g / 0.2oz) Green Onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with pepper.
2. Coat with Cornstarch: Lightly coat chicken in cornstarch.
3. Sear Chicken: Sear chicken skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden.
4. Flip and Sear: Sear other side for 2-3 minutes.
5. Make Glaze: Simmer brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until thickened.
6. Glaze and Bake: Brush chicken with glaze and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes.
7. Finish Glaze: Simmer remaining glaze for 2 minutes.
8. Rest and Drizzle: Rest chicken for 5 minutes and drizzle with glaze.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for achieving a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure crispy skin.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Poultry
• Method: Bake, Sear
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chop
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: chicken, glaze, brown sugar, ginger, sesame, asian, dinner, chops