Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/garlic-brown-sugar-chicken-recipe/
