Golden Corral Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Amon Skres

2 min read

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23-01-2025

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Golden Corral's baked chicken thighs are a beloved menu item, known for their juicy tenderness and flavorful glaze. While the restaurant's exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, this recipe provides a delicious and remarkably close approximation you can enjoy at home. This recipe focuses on achieving that signature Golden Corral balance of sweet and savory, with a crispy skin.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

• For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs.

3. Make the glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth.

4. Bake the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.

5. Add the glaze: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the chicken thighs generously with the glaze.

6. Continue baking: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the glaze is caramelized and slightly sticky. For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

7. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken thighs for even cooking and crispy skin. You may need to bake them in batches.
• Adjust the glaze: Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetness or spiciness in the glaze to your preference. A dash of cayenne pepper could add a nice kick.
• Serve immediately: These baked chicken thighs are best served hot and fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying alternative to dining out. Enjoy your homemade Golden Corral-inspired chicken thighs!