Description

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a perfectly balanced dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory and sweet garlic-infused brown sugar glaze. The sauce combines brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices to create a flavorful coating that is both glossy and rich. This quick skillet recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, delivering comfort and elegance in under 30 minutes.

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

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure better browning. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder to infuse flavor.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with garlic. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and dissolve, forming a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook each side for 5–6 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken continuously to coat it well. Continue until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finish the Glaze: Add the unsalted butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for an additional 1–2 minutes. This step enriches the flavor and gives the sauce a beautiful shine.
Serve: Remove the chicken from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top to maximize the delicious flavor.

Notes

Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield a juicier result with a slightly different texture.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level or omit for a milder version.
Make sure not to overcook the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables to complement the rich sauce.
Leftovers 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: Frying
Cuisine: American

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