Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
A fast and comforting chicken dish featuring a sweet and sticky garlic-brown sugar glaze, perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (finely minced) Don't skip the garlic; it’s the backbone of the flavor.
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar (packed) Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- 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 - adds richness.
- to taste fresh parsley (chopped) For garnish - optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Sauté the Garlic
- 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.
Build the Sauce
- 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.
Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken into the skillet.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, spooning the sauce over the chicken until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Finish the Glaze
- Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes until rich and shiny.
Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce enhances the chicken's flavor over time.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 26gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 700mgSugar: 12g
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