Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, glossy garlic and brown sugar glaze that’s sure to please your taste buds.

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. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
3. Step 3: Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Let the mixture gently bubble 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 fully cooked through 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 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 a smoky depth, try substituting smoked paprika with regular paprika or add a dash of chipotle powder for extra heat.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat that stands up well to the glaze.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar by a tablespoon or two.
• Serve over rice or alongside roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the glaze.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

For best results, use fresh or fully thawed chicken. If using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking to allow even cooking and proper sauce absorption.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 55 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a flavorful sweet and savory garlic brown sugar glaze. The chicken is pan-seared with a fragrant garlic-infused brown sugar sauce, finished with butter for a rich, glossy finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it pairs well with steamed vegetables or rice.

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Ingredients

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Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to help achieve a good sear. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook gently for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to brown or burn the garlic.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with the garlic. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and dissolve, forming a smooth, sweet-savory glaze.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, frequently spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks. Continue until the chicken is fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Finish the Glaze: Add the tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce continuously over the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, enriching the flavor and giving the dish a shiny finish.
6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning to get a better sear and prevent steaming.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level; omit for no spice.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• The sauce thickens as it cooks; if it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic chicken, brown sugar chicken, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, sweet and savory chicken, weeknight dinner