Molasses Lemongrass Chicken Thighs
Molasses Lemongrass Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and minced
For Serving
- 1/4 cup cilantro, fresh, chopped, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chili sauce, for serving
- 2 cups cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Peel and mince the fresh garlic cloves. Trim the outer layers of the lemongrass stalks and finely mince the tender inner part.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, packed brown sugar, molasses, minced garlic, and minced lemongrass.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Wearing gloves, thoroughly mix all the ingredients by hand until the chicken thighs are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Line a baking tray that fits into your air fryer with foil for easier cleanup.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 380
- 5
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the foil-lined baking tray, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer without overcrowding. If necessary, cook in batches.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Place the baking tray with the chicken into the preheated air fryer. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the chicken is deeply colored, cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a pastry brush to glaze the chicken with any pan juices during the last few minutes of cooking for extra shine and flavor.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 380
- 7
Carefully remove the hot chicken from the air fryer using a towel and tongs. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
⏱️ 5 min
- 8
Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken thighs into smaller, serving-sized pieces.
⏱️ 3 min
- 9
Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving plate. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with a small bowl of chili sauce on the side and, optionally, a side of cooked rice.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Molasses Lemongrass Chicken Thighs
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and minced
For Serving
- 1/4 cup cilantro, fresh, chopped, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chili sauce, for serving
- 2 cups cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Peel and mince the fresh garlic cloves. Trim the outer layers of the lemongrass stalks and finely mince the tender inner part.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, packed brown sugar, molasses, minced garlic, and minced lemongrass.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Wearing gloves, thoroughly mix all the ingredients by hand until the chicken thighs are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Line a baking tray that fits into your air fryer with foil for easier cleanup.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 380 - 5
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the foil-lined baking tray, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer without overcrowding. If necessary, cook in batches.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Place the baking tray with the chicken into the preheated air fryer. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the chicken is deeply colored, cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a pastry brush to glaze the chicken with any pan juices during the last few minutes of cooking for extra shine and flavor.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 380 - 7
Carefully remove the hot chicken from the air fryer using a towel and tongs. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
⏱️ 5 min - 8
Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken thighs into smaller, serving-sized pieces.
⏱️ 3 min - 9
Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving plate. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with a small bowl of chili sauce on the side and, optionally, a side of cooked rice.
⏱️ 5 min