Caramel Chicken Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

Caramel chicken is an amazing 30-minute meal that you won’t be able to get enough of! The chicken is glazed in the best sweet and tangy Asian sauce and is even picky eater-approved!

Looking for more easy, saucy Asian-inspired meals? Saucy Asian meatballs, garlic steak skewers, and sticky Asian glazed chicken are all must-try recipes that your family will go crazy over!

Saucy Asian Caramel Chicken Recipe

How do I even begin to describe the amazingness of this meal? The sauce. Oh my goodness. It is a sweet caramelized teriyaki glaze. Not to mention, the chicken is cooked in the skillet to juicy, tenderized perfection. The skillet gave it the perfect golden-brown crust along the outside. This is a one-pot recipe you’ll want to make again and again! My kids are always asking for it, and for good reason! It’s hard to resist something so saucy and bursting with flavor.

But the sauce. OMG the sauce. It thickened up just like you’d get in a restaurant and coated the chicken perfectly. Like caramel! No need for cornstarch in this one, it’s perfectly thick and delicious on its own! It is one of the best sauces that I have made. You guys have to try this recipe. Like right now.The whole family is going to love it! And if you’re needing inspiration for more delicious Asian meals that whip up in minutes, find my full list here!

Everything You Need to Make It

This is my go-to for busy weeknights. (Or when I’m feeling lazy!) It uses so many simple ingredients and is beyond easy to throw together! Trust me, though, with how insanely good this caramel chicken is, no one will ever suspect it took less than 30 minutes to make! You can find more 30-minute meals here. Note: measurements for all of the ingredients below can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

• Chicken Thighs: I used boneless chicken thighs!
• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the chicken in.
• Garlic Cloves: Because what would a saucy dish be without a punch of tasty garlic??
• Water: Adjusts the consistency of the sauce.
• Light Brown Sugar: Don’t be scared about the sugar in the recipe. It isn’t too sweet. The vinegar and soy sauce gives it the perfect balance!
• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a tasty hint of tangy flavor.
• Chicken Broth: I used low-sodium chicken broth here.
• Soy Sauce: I used reduced-sodium soy sauce here as well to keep things on the healthier side.
• Scallions: Add a pop of flavor and are great for using as garnish!

Let’s Make Caramel Chicken!

Only 5 simple steps are needed to make this saucy caramel chicken! You’re going to love how it turns out. It has so much flavor and tastes better than takeout!

1. Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat, season chicken with salt and cook until golden brown on each side. It should be crisp and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Saute Garlic: Add garlic cloves to skillet until golden brown about 2 minutes. Transfer to the plate of chicken.
3. Prepare Sauce: Return pot to medium-high heat and carefully pour 1/2 cup of water scraping down the browned bits. Whisk in the brown sugar until dissolved. Then cook until mixture turns a deep amber color. (About 4 minutes.) Carefully add vinegar and stir to dissolve.
4. Add in Remaining Ingredients: Add garlic, broth, and soy sauce. Bring cooking liquid to a boil and whisk occasionally. This takes about 10 minutes. Be patient. The sauce will thicken and glaze the chicken beautifully.
5. Serve: Once glaze is ready, turn heat to medium-low and return chicken to the pan until heated through. Serve over rice and garnish with scallions or green onions if desired.