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

Scale

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