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Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken garnished with herbs on a plate

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

This garlic brown sugar chicken is a quick and impressive one-skillet dinner that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, creating a rich, glossy sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds) Thighs for juicier meat.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed Substitute coconut sugar for a less refined option.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For heat.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter For finishing the sauce.
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped For garnish, optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Cooking
  1. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, watching closely to prevent browning.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk or stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side, spooning the sauce over the chicken frequently to baste.
  4. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and spoon the sauce over the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the chicken.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and serve right away.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 900mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g

Notes

If using thighs, reduce cooking time a little and check doneness with a thermometer. If you prefer less sweet, cut brown sugar to 1/4 cup and add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

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