Chicken "Spareribs"
Tender chicken thighs glazed in a savory and sweet soy-based sauce with hints of garlic and ginger, perfect for casual dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and brown the chicken thighs on all sides, turning, about 5 minutes on each side.
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, water, light brown sugar, apple juice, ketchup, cider vinegar, crushed garlic, crushed red pepper, and ground ginger.
- Add the sauce mixture to the skillet with the chicken and bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat to simmer.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens and the chicken is glazed.
- Top with sliced scallions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have apple juice, orange juice is a great substitute. To make it spicier, add more crushed red pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. For a different texture, try using boneless chicken thighs instead of skin-on.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken 'Spareribs' with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Cajun Style Beans, Rice And Ham for a hearty feast. Garnish with sliced scallions to add color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or microwave it for a couple of minutes. Adding a splash of water can help keep the chicken moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken "Spareribs" contains roughly 1842 calories, with 4g protein, 433g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1412mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and could dry out if overcooked. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, and check for doneness when simmering. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but breasts can work in a pinch.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the ketchup and cornstarch, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten.
How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
If you want to avoid cornstarch, you can reduce the sauce further by simmering it longer to concentrate the flavors and thicken naturally. Alternatively, a slurry made with flour and water can also be used to thicken the sauce, but ensure it cooks for a few minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).