Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that comes together quickly on the stovetop. The combination of garlic, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a glossy, flavorful glaze that perfectly coats tender chicken breasts or thighs. It’s an easy weeknight meal with a beautiful caramelized finish.

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 until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
3. Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture gently bubble until the sugar dissolves into a smooth sauce.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken into the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side. Spoon the sauce over the chicken as it cooks, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes to create a rich, glossy glaze.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat and more flavor.
• Serve over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the sauce for a few minutes until reduced.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce 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 if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic provides the best flavor and aroma, you can substitute garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder added with the other dry seasonings, but skip sautéing garlic in oil.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Check your ingredients to ensure no hidden gluten.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 72 reviews

This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory-sweet garlic brown sugar glaze. The combination of garlic, light brown sugar, soy sauce, and a hint of apple cider vinegar creates a rich and glossy sauce that perfectly complements the smoky paprika-seasoned chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this skillet-cooked chicken delivers a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Sauce and 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)

Finishing

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder to ensure balanced flavor throughout.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the light brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with the garlic. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and dissolve into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, spooning the sauce continuously over the chicken to infuse flavor. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
5. Finish the Glaze: Add the unsalted butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes. This step enriches the sauce and gives the chicken a beautiful shine and extra flavor.
6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with additional sauce spooned over the top for a delicious presentation and taste.

Notes

• To ensure even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar size or consider pounding them to an even thickness.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing, as this can impart bitterness.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Skillet Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, One-Pan Chicken Recipe