Description
A quick skillet dinner that balances caramelized sweetness with savory garlic and soy, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1½ teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Sear chicken in hot oil until golden, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté minced garlic briefly in the same pan, then add brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to form the glaze.
- Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over it, and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in butter off heat for a glossy finish. Garnish and serve.
Notes
If your chicken breasts are very thick, halve them horizontally or pound them to an even ~1/2-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken, garlic, brown sugar, quick dinner, skillet meal, family-friendly