Dinner

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

ByElla Hart January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

Introduction

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that comes together quickly for any weeknight dinner. The rich garlic and brown sugar glaze creates a beautiful shine and deep flavor that pairs wonderfully with simple sides.

The image shows three grilled chicken breasts placed closely together on a white plate. Each chicken breast has a golden-brown color with dark, slightly charred grill marks and a glossy, seasoned surface. The texture appears juicy with small specks of black pepper and other spices visible across the meat. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled unevenly on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm, rich colors of the chicken. The plate sits on a white marbled texture, and the lighting highlights the shiny and textured surface of the chicken breasts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Step 2: 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 brown it.
Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture gently bubble, allowing the sugar to dissolve into a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks, until it is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is rich and shiny.
Step 6: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, include the optional crushed red pepper flakes when stirring in the sauce ingredients.
Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for juicier results.
Serve over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s richness, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.