why make this recipe
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. The combination of garlic and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering glaze that is easy to make and pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables. This recipe is great for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s simple enough to prepare on a busy evening yet impressive enough for guests.
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 :
- 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.
how to serve Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken can be served over a bed of rice or with a side of steamed vegetables. It also goes well with mashed potatoes or a simple salad. The extra sauce can be drizzled on top for added flavor.
how to store Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
To store Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
tips to make Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it sear better.
- Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning.
- You can adjust the brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- If you like a bit of heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes.
variation
For a twist, you can add some vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the skillet during the cooking process. You can also use different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, for a variation in flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Can I substitute the brown sugar with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but this may change the flavor slightly.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) for heat
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
- 5 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing)
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley (chopped) optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Sautéing
- 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.
Making 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.
Cooking 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).
Finishing Touch
- Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes until rich and shiny.
Serving
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.
