Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory taste of garlic with the sweetness of brown sugar. This recipe delivers a rich, glossy glaze that coats tender chicken breasts or thighs, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.
3. Step 3: Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Let the mixture bubble gently until it dissolves into a smooth sauce.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken into the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks, until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and shiny.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Make sure not to burn the garlic; cooking it just until fragrant keeps the sauce flavorful without bitterness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the glaze’s shine and flavor. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be more tender and flavorful. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve with Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory skillet-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a rich sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic garlic. Finished with butter for a luscious shine and optionally garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Finishing

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder to build a flavorful base.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown or burn to maintain a mellow garlic flavor.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with the garlic. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and dissolve into a smooth, cohesive sauce, which will form the glaze.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet with the sauce. Cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, spooning the sauce over the chicken consistently to coat it and encourage a delicious glaze, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Finish the Glaze: Add the unsalted butter to the pan. Spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken while cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes, which enriches the glaze and gives the dish a shiny, appetizing finish.
6. Serve: Remove the chicken from heat. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately, spooning any remaining sauce over the top to enhance flavor.

Notes

• For a spicier version, include the optional crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce step.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts and may require slightly longer cooking.
• Ensure not to overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or rice to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure safe consumption.

Keywords: Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, Sweet Savory Chicken, Skillet Chicken Recipe, Quick Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken Glaze