Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs have become my absolute go-to for a weeknight dinner that feels special but is surprisingly simple. I still remember the first time I tried making them; I was nervous about the sweet and savory combination, but oh my goodness, it was a revelation! The aroma of the cherries simmering with garlic and ginger filled my kitchen, promising something truly delicious. This easy sticky cherry chicken thighs recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you crave a flavorful meal without the fuss. The chicken comes out so incredibly juicy and coated in this amazing sweet and sticky glaze. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs
This sticky cherry chicken recipe is a true winner for so many reasons:
- An explosion of sweet and savory flavors
- Incredibly juicy and tender chicken thighs
- Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy nights
- A budget-friendly meal that tastes gourmet
- Family-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser
- Offers a healthier alternative with lean protein
- The vibrant cherry glaze is simply irresistible
- This simple sticky cherry chicken thighs recipe makes cleanup a breeze
Ingredients for Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful cherry chicken recipe for dinner. The star players here are the chicken thighs and the sweet cherries, which create that signature glaze. Don’t worry if you only have frozen cherries; they work beautifully here. This recipe is designed to be a straightforward way to achieve that perfect sticky texture.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – These are ideal for a juicy, tender result.
- 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen) – The heart of our sweet and sticky sauce.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – Provides a savory, umami base for the glaze.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Sweetens the sauce and helps it thicken.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated – For a warm, aromatic kick.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Our secret weapon for achieving that perfect sticky consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water – Used to create the cornstarch slurry.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a lovely nutty aroma and flavor.
- Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
How to Make Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs
Ready to create this amazing cherry glazed chicken thighs recipe? It’s simpler than you think! Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, gloriously sticky chicken.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is key for achieving a good sear. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Grab a medium saucepan. Combine the 1 cup pitted cherries, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 cloves minced garlic.
- Step 3: Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the cherries start to soften and release their juices, and the sauce will begin to thicken slightly. The aroma is incredible at this stage!
- Step 4: In a small, separate bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until you have a smooth slurry.
- Step 5: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering cherry sauce, whisking constantly. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens into a beautiful, glossy, sticky glaze. It should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Step 6: Heat the 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Step 7: Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are beautifully browned. This step builds fantastic flavor.
- Step 8: Pour the prepared sticky cherry sauce all over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
- Step 9: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and even more wonderfully sticky. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Step 10: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the oven baked sticky cherry chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your juicy sticky chicken thighs recipe!
Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs
Want to elevate your cherry chicken recipe for dinner even further? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish truly shine. These tips ensure your chicken is always tender and the glaze is perfectly balanced.
- Don’t skip drying the chicken thighs; it’s crucial for getting a beautiful sear and developing flavor.
- Taste the sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed. A little extra vinegar can cut through richness.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before searing.
What’s the secret to perfect Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs?
The magic is in the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, plus achieving that perfect sticky glaze. Using both brown sugar for sweetness and rice vinegar for acidity is key. Don’t rush the sauce thickening; let the cornstarch slurry do its work. For more on flavor balancing in cooking, check out this guide.
Can I make Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs ahead of time?
You can prepare the cherry sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also sear the chicken ahead of time. Combine and finish cooking just before serving for the best texture. This is a great way to save time, similar to how some people prepare meals in advance.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs?
Avoid overcooking the chicken, which leads to dryness. Also, make sure not to add the cornstarch slurry to a boiling sauce, as it can clump. Ensure the sauce is simmering gently when you add it. Understanding proper cooking temperatures is vital for any recipe, including poultry.
Best Ways to Serve Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs
These sweet and sticky chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic Asian-inspired meal, I love serving them over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up that delicious cherry glaze. A side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried mixed vegetables adds a fresh, healthy balance to the richness of the chicken. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a simple side salad with a ginger-sesame dressing also complements the savory-sweet profile beautifully. These pairings make for a complete and satisfying meal. For more ideas on side dishes, consider these meal pairings.
Nutrition Facts for Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs
Let’s break down the deliciousness of this cherry chicken recipe for dinner. These numbers are based on one serving, which typically includes one chicken thigh with the sticky cherry sauce.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional content, you can refer to resources on healthy eating.
How to Store and Reheat Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs
Properly storing and reheating your delicious sticky cherry chicken thighs ensures you can enjoy every last bite. Once cooked, let the chicken cool down slightly before transferring it to airtight containers. These are perfect for packing away leftovers for lunches or future meals. You can comfortably store the chicken in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, freezing is a great option for this cherry chicken recipe for dinner. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few easy options. For refrigerated leftovers, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave on a medium power setting, stirring halfway through. For frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using either the skillet or microwave method. This ensures your juicy sticky chicken thighs recipe leftovers are just as delightful as when they were freshly made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs
What makes the chicken thighs sticky?
The stickiness comes from the glaze we create by simmering cherries, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, then thickening it with a cornstarch slurry. This creates that wonderful, glossy coating on the juicy sticky chicken thighs recipe.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this sticky cherry chicken recipe?
While thighs are recommended for their juiciness and ability to stand up to the glaze, you can use chicken breast. Just be extra careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily. Sear them briefly and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Why are my chicken thighs not sticky enough?
This usually happens if the sauce wasn’t simmered long enough to thicken or if the cornstarch slurry wasn’t properly incorporated. Make sure the sauce is at a gentle simmer when you add the slurry and stir until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency. This is crucial for a great cherry chicken recipe for dinner.
Can I make this a gluten-free sticky cherry chicken thighs dish?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that works beautifully in this sweet and sticky chicken thighs dish, offering the same savory depth without the gluten.
Variations of Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs You Can Try
While this sticky cherry chicken recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different twists! Here are a few ideas to keep things exciting and cater to various needs:
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, simply add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the cherry sauce mixture in Step 2. This transforms the sweet and sticky chicken thighs into a wonderfully savory and spicy delight.
- Slow Cooker Method: To make this a true dump-and-go meal, combine all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch slurry and sesame oil) in your slow cooker. Add the chicken thighs and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry at the end. This is a fantastic way to make slow cooker sticky cherry chicken thighs.
- Ginger-Garlic Powerhouse: Amp up the aromatics by doubling the ginger and garlic. You could even add a thinly sliced shallot to the sauce for another layer of savory complexity. This variation really highlights the savory sticky chicken thighs aspect.
- Citrus Twist: Swap the rice vinegar for lime juice and add a tablespoon of orange zest to the sauce. This adds a brighter, more citrusy note that complements the cherries beautifully, offering a different take on chicken thighs with cherry sauce.
Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs: Amazing 1-Hour Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy sticky cherry chicken thighs recipe delivers bold, flavorful, and unexpected taste. It’s a perfect cherry chicken recipe for dinner, offering juicy and savory sticky chicken thighs.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering cherry sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned.
- Pour the sticky cherry sauce over the chicken thighs in the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and coated in the delicious sticky cherry glaze.
- Serve the sticky cherry chicken thighs hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cherry sauce.
- Frozen cherries work just as well as fresh ones.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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