Best 2 Chef Johns Caramel Chicken Recipes

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Chef John's Caramel Chicken, a delectable dish that combines the sweet and savory elements to create a harmonious symphony of tastes. This dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, glossy caramel sauce, caramelized to perfection, offering a delightful crispiness that complements the succulent chicken. Accompanying the main course are two equally enticing recipes: Steamed Broccoli with Garlic and Toasted Sesame Seeds, providing a healthy and vibrant side dish, and Coconut Rice, a fluffy and aromatic rice dish infused with the delicate flavors of coconut milk. Each recipe is carefully crafted to complement the main course, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying meal that caters to various dietary preferences.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CARAMEL CHICKEN

Caramel Chicken image

Provided by Katie Lee Biegel

Categories main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
8 cloves garlic, finely minced
One 2-inch piece ginger, finely minced
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon coconut or vegetable oil
White rice, for serving

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until it begins to melt, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, continuing to stir, for another 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, fish sauce and soy sauce. Bring to a low simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Use a paper towel to thoroughly pat dry the chicken. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a large ovenproof skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the oil. Place the chicken in the skillet skin-side down and let brown without moving it for about 4 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and raise the heat to medium-high. Add the brown sugar mixture and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits. Return the chicken to the skillet skin-side up. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake, basting the chicken with the sauce midway through cooking, until cooked through, about 20 minutes. For extra-crispy skin, transfer the skillet to the broiler for about 2 minutes. Serve over white rice with sauce.

SPICY CARAMEL CHICKEN

Spicy Caramel Chicken image

This is an updated version of one of my earliest and most popular recipes. This chicken is fast, easy, delicious and historically significant!

Provided by Chef John

Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Chicken Thigh Recipes

Time 49m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
4 cloves finely minced garlic
¾ cup light brown sugar
⅓ cup rice vinegar
⅓ cup fish sauce
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce, or to taste
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup sliced, seeded jalapeno peppers
½ cup sliced, seeded mild red chilies or bell peppers
½ cup roasted peanuts
½ cup chopped green onions, plus more for garnish
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
4 cups cooked white rice

Steps:

Whisk grated ginger, garlic, brown sugar, rice vinegar, fish sauce, hot sauce, and soy sauce together in a large bowl.
Place chicken chunks in a bowl. Pour 1/4 cup of the prepared sauce onto chicken chunks; mix until all chicken pieces are coated. Set aside 15 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over high heat. As soon as oil starts to smoke, place chicken chunks in a single layer in the pan. Cook and stir until chicken pieces start to caramelize and turn deep brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in sliced jalapeno and red peppers, peanuts, and green onions. Cook and stir one minute. Pour in remainder of sauce. Simmer until heated through, 1 or 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in cilantro. Serve over hot cooked rice and top with chopped green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1003.9 calories, Carbohydrate 93.6 g, Cholesterol 190.7 mg, Fat 47.7 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 49.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.8 g, Sodium 1934.2 mg, Sugar 42.8 g

Tips:

To ensure the chicken is evenly cooked, cut it into 1-inch pieces.
Use a large skillet or wok to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Make sure the chicken is dry before adding it to the skillet to prevent splattering.
Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Cook the sauce until it thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
Serve the chicken over rice or noodles.

Conclusion:

Chef John's Caramel Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is tender and flavorful, and the sauce is rich and caramelized. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.