Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (or boneless thighs)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Caramel Sauce:

3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (for deeper color)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Aromatics:

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, julienned
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Cooked jasmine rice for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons sugar and 3 tablespoons water, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sugar melts and turns into a deep amber caramel.

Be patient! The sugar will first bubble, then slowly darken. If it burns, start over.

Step 4: Add the Aromatics

Once the caramel turns a deep golden brown, quickly stir in the ginger, garlic, shallots, and chili flakes (if using). The hot caramel will bubble up—this is normal! Stir for 30 seconds to release the flavors.

Step 5: Add the Sauces and Chicken

Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Stir everything together, then return the seared chicken to the skillet.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Cover and let the chicken simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally. The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.

For extra sticky, glazed chicken, remove the lid for the last 5 minutes and let the sauce reduce slightly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy with steamed jasmine rice, letting the sauce soak into every bite!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 390
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g