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Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 33 reviews

This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic-infused brown sugar glaze. Ready in just 40 minutes, this skillet-cooked dish is ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner and is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 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. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder to enhance the flavor base.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 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 to avoid bitterness.
  3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Let the mixture gently bubble until the sugar dissolves and the sauce becomes smooth.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks to coat and flavor it thoroughly. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is fully done.
  5. Finish the Glaze: Add unsalted butter to the pan. Spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is rich and shiny, adding a luscious finish.
  6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned on top for added flavor.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative to breasts with the same cooking time.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it before spooning over the chicken.
  • Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Garlic brown sugar chicken, sweet and savory chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, garlic chicken glaze

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/garlic-brown-sugar-chicken-recipe/