Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, all glazed onto tender chicken breasts or thighs. This easy skillet dish comes together quickly and makes a great weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress.
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
- Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and dissolve into a smooth sauce.
- Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Add the butter to the pan, spooning the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is rich and shiny.
- Step 6: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more forgiving option that stays tender.
- Serve this chicken over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Try substituting apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a milder, slightly sweeter tang.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce smooth and prevent drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken for even cooking and to ensure the sauce coats the chicken properly. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
What can I serve with Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweet and savory flavors.
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Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and savory garlic brown sugar glaze. This one-pan meal combines the richness of brown sugar, the tang of apple cider vinegar, and the depth of soy sauce, all enhanced by aromatic spices and finished with butter for a glossy, delicious coating. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers balanced flavors and juicy chicken with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 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
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder for added flavor.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and dissolve, creating a smooth and flavorful sauce base.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, spooning the sauce over the chicken frequently to coat it. Continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish the Glaze: Add the unsalted butter to the pan. Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to create a rich, glossy glaze that enhances the flavor and texture.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For spicier chicken, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bone-in chicken thighs can be used, just increase cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, sweet and savory chicken, skillet chicken, easy chicken dinner, quick weeknight recipe, brown sugar chicken glaze, garlic chicken recipe
