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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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