Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The rich garlic and brown sugar glaze creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken breasts or thighs. It’s an easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

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 to prevent bitterness.
3. Step 3: Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Let the mixture gently bubble and dissolve into a smooth sauce.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken into the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks. Continue 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 from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful results.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce before adding the chicken.
• Serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze.

Storage

Store leftover garlic brown sugar chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can season the chicken and prepare the sauce mixture ahead, but it’s best to cook the chicken fresh to maintain its juiciness. The sauce can be made in advance and reheated before cooking the chicken.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 53 reviews

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts pan-cooked in a sweet and savory garlic brown sugar glaze. The sauce combines minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, creating a beautifully glossy coating that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. This skillet method yields juicy chicken with a rich, buttery finish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Sauce & Seasonings

• 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)

Finishing

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder to build a flavorful base.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, ensuring you do not let it brown to keep the flavor bright and mellow.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with the garlic. Let the mixture bubble gently as the sugar dissolves, creating a smooth and slightly thickened glaze.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes, basting frequently with the sauce, until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Finish the Glaze: Add the unsalted butter to the pan and continue spooning the glossy, thickened sauce over the chicken for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This step enriches the sauce and gives the chicken a shiny, delicious finish.
6. Serve: Remove the chicken from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately, spooning any extra sauce from the pan onto the chicken for maximum flavor.

Notes

• For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and slightly more flavorful option.
• Serve this dish with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid a bitter taste.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, skillet chicken, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipe