why make this recipe
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. It’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s not only tasty but also visually appealing, with a glossy sauce that makes any plate look gourmet.
how to make Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
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)
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not brown.
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Build the Sauce: Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and dissolve into a smooth sauce.
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Cook the Chicken: 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).
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Finish the Glaze: Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes until rich and shiny.
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Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.
how to serve Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Serve Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken with a side of steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. You can add a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition. For best results, drizzle a bit more of the sauce over the dish before serving.
how to store Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
To store Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave or heat up on the stove until warm.
tips to make Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
- Make sure to dry the chicken well before seasoning to get a good sear.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you like extra garlic flavor, add more minced garlic to the sauce.
- To make it even quicker, you can use pre-cooked chicken; just heat it up in the sauce.
variation
You can try this recipe with different proteins like pork or shrimp for a change. Additionally, substitute the light brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken with skin for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken with skin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
2. Is it necessary to use apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tangy flavor, but you can substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, this Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
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)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish – optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Allow to gently bubble and dissolve into a smooth sauce.
- Place the chicken into the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, spooning sauce over the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes until rich and shiny.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with extra sauce.
Notes
For best results, serve with steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Can also be paired with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, garlic, brown sugar, sweet and savory, easy recipe