Chef John's Caramel Chicken

If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on traditional chicken recipes, then Chef John's Caramel Chicken is a must-try dish. This delectable recipe combines tender and juicy chicken with a sweet and savory caramel sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Chef John has perfected the art of balancing sweet and savory flavors, creating a dish that is both comforting and incredibly delicious.

Chef John's Caramel Chicken
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Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Servings:

4

Yield:

4 servings

Ingredients

Chef John's Caramel Chicken
¾ cup dark brown sugar
⅓ cup cold water
⅓ cup fish sauce
⅓ cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, quartered
½ cup roasted peanuts
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced
1 bunch green onions, chopped
fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Directions

Chef John's Caramel Chicken

Step 1

Whisk brown sugar, water, fish sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl until brown sugar is completely dissolved, about 1 minute. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat oil over high heat in a skillet. Stir in chicken.

Step 3

Pour 1/3 cup of the brown sugar mixture over chicken; cook and stir until the brown sugar mixture has a syrup-like consistency, 6 to 7 minutes.

Step 4

Pour in the remaining brown sugar mixture; cook until chicken is tender and no longer pink inside, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in in peanuts, jalapenos and green onion; cook until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6

Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

615

Calories

33g

Fat

38g

Carbs

43g

Protein

Complement

The caramel sauce in this recipe is the star of the show, with its rich and complex flavor profile that elevates the humble chicken to a whole new level. The sauce is made with a combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and a hint of vinegar, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors. When paired with succulent chicken pieces, this dish becomes a true showstopper that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. Chef John's Caramel Chicken is a dish that is perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, and is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.