Sweet & Savory Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs 🍒🍗✨
Juicy, tender, and glazed in a glossy cherry-soy sauce, these Sweet & Savory Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs are the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and savory umami. The caramelized glaze clings to every bite of crispy-skinned chicken, creating a dish that feels gourmet yet is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors — tangy, sticky, and absolutely addictive.
Ingredients
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1/2 cup cherry preserves
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Fresh thyme or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5–6 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), cherry preserves, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or more honey if you prefer it sweeter.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, spooning some of the sauce over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). For an extra sticky finish, baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking.
If you want a thicker glaze, remove the chicken once cooked and set the skillet on the stovetop. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Return the chicken to the pan and coat with the thickened glaze.
Tips for Success
Use fresh cherries when in season for the best flavor, but frozen cherries work beautifully year-round. You can swap apple cider vinegar for balsamic for a deeper, richer taste. If you like spice, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to balance the sweetness. To save time, the sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated before baking.
Serving Ideas
Serve these sticky cherry chicken thighs over jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta to soak up every bit of sauce. They also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~460 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 24g
Conclusion
These Sweet & Savory Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs are a stunning mix of rich, fruity glaze and crispy, juicy chicken. The cherries add natural sweetness, while the soy and vinegar bring balance and depth. Each bite delivers that perfect contrast of sticky, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether for a casual dinner or an elegant meal, this dish is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor.