Description
This quick and delicious Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken features a glossy, sweet-savory glaze over tender chicken, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Do not brown.
- Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Let it bubble gently 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 the chicken 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
Serve over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or with roasted vegetables. This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg