Description
This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness! Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a sticky brown sugar glaze with plenty of rich garlic flavor, then cooked until caramelized and irresistible. Easy, comforting, and packed with flavor — it’s a weeknight dinner the whole family will rave about!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 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
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness. If using very thick chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally for even cooking.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg