Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an easy weeknight dinner that feels special. The rich, garlicky sauce with a hint of smoked paprika adds depth to tender chicken breasts or thighs. This dish is quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

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
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
3. Step 3: Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Let the mixture bubble gently until the sugar dissolves into a smooth sauce.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side. Spoon the sauce over the chicken as it cooks, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes until rich and shiny.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier result; they hold up well with the sweet glaze.
• Pair this chicken with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover garlic brown sugar chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the sauce’s texture, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and allow the seasonings to stick properly. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before starting.

What can I substitute for brown sugar?

You can use white granulated sugar mixed with a small amount of molasses or honey as a substitute for brown sugar, but the flavor may be slightly different. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 86 reviews

This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a flavorful glaze made with brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. The chicken is sautéed to perfection with a glossy, slightly sweet, and savory sauce finished with butter and fresh parsley for a simple yet delicious meal perfect for weeknights.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce & 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

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder to infuse flavor.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet with the garlic. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and dissolve into a smooth, slightly thickened sauce.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side, spooning the sauce over the chicken continuously. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Finish the Glaze: Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes, which enriches the flavor and gives a shiny finish.
6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top for a flavorful presentation.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat if preferred.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for no spice.
• Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to complement the sweet and savory sauce.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Keywords: Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Skillet Chicken, Easy Dinner