Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
A delicious dish that combines savory garlic with sweet brown sugar, creating a mouthwatering sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces 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, optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Cooking
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes until rich and shiny.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get the best sear. You can customize the sauce by adding other spices or herbs, like ginger or thyme, for extra flavor. If you like your dish spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some chili sauce.