Caribbean Dark Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a rich, spiced dark rum sauce that balances sweetness and heat perfectly. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, dark rum, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup dark rum
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season evenly with 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook 3 more minutes.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup dark rum, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves.
- Step 4: Pour the rum glaze over the chicken thighs in the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and glaze thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from oven, spoon the sticky glaze over the chicken, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Dark Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caribbean Dark Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Dark Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caribbean Dark Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caribbean Dark Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs?
Caribbean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
