Description

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make skillet dish featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich, sweet, and savory garlic brown sugar glaze. The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika creates a perfect balance of tangy and smoky flavors, while a finishing touch of butter adds richness and shine. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce and Seasoning

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

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder to infuse the meat with flavor.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the light brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Allow the mixture to gently bubble, letting the brown sugar dissolve completely and the sauce become smooth.
Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, spooning the sauce continuously over the chicken as it cooks to ensure it is well glazed and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Finish the Glaze: Add the unsalted butter to the pan, allowing it to melt and enrich the sauce. Spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for another 1 to 2 minutes to create a rich, shiny glaze.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top, alongside your choice of sides.

Notes

Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat with more juiciness.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste depending on your preference for heat.
Pair this dish with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ensure not to burn the garlic when sautéing; cook only until fragrant for best flavor.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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