Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Introduction

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a sweet and savory chicken dish that’s rich, juicy, and full of flavor. The combination of caramelized brown sugar and fragrant garlic creates a sticky glaze that coats the chicken beautifully, making it irresistible. With only a few pantry staples and less than 30 minutes, you can create a dish that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep. The aroma of sizzling garlic mixed with caramelized sugar will have everyone at the table ready before you even serve.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet packed with flavor. The sweetness of brown sugar balances perfectly with the deep savoriness of garlic, and together they create a golden glaze that clings to tender chicken.

It’s also a no-fuss recipe—minimal ingredients, quick cooking, and it’s incredibly versatile. I can serve it over rice, pasta, or with roasted veggies, and it always feels like a comforting, homemade hug on a plate.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples you already have.
• Delicious Balance: Sweet, savory, garlicky perfection.
• Crowd Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Works with breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4 portions
• Calories: ~380 calories per serving (using chicken breasts)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American (with comfort food vibes)
• Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for umami depth)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season chicken.
2. Sear until golden.
3. Add garlic, sauté briefly.
4. Stir in brown sugar and soy sauce to create glaze.
5. Simmer until chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in brown sugar and soy sauce, letting it bubble and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine

• Return chicken to the skillet.
• Spoon sauce over chicken and cook another 5–7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is coated in glaze.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with parsley or green onions.
• Serve hot with sides of choice.

How to Serve

• Over steamed rice or garlic butter noodles.
• With mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
• As a sandwich filling inside a crusty roll.
• With a light salad for a balanced meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook garlic—it can burn quickly.
• Use dark brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like glaze.
• Pound chicken to even thickness for faster cooking.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if sauce gets too thick.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or sriracha.
• Asian Twist: Add ginger, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream at the end.
• Baked Version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes with sauce poured over.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken with sauce up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep sauce glossy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Mixing bowl for sauce

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is the ultimate sweet and savory comfort dish that transforms simple chicken into something truly special. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults.

With its glossy caramelized glaze, tender chicken, and versatile serving options, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Perfect for weeknights or special dinners, it’s a must-try dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Print Recipe

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 380 kcal

Description

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a sweet and savory chicken dish that’s rich, juicy, and full of flavor. The combination of caramelized brown sugar and fragrant garlic creates a sticky glaze that coats the chicken beautifully, making it irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for umami depth)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken : Pat chicken dry with paper towels.Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Step 2: Sear Chicken : Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: Make the Sauce : In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.Stir in brown sugar and soy sauce, letting it bubble and thicken slightly.
4. Step 4: Combine : Return chicken to the skillet.Spoon sauce over chicken and cook another 5–7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and is coated in glaze.
5. Step 5: Garnish & Serve : Sprinkle with parsley or green onions. Serve hot with sides of choice.

Keywords: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken