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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/garlic-brown-sugar-chicken-recipe/