Description

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic, brown sugar, and soy sauce glaze. This easy skillet recipe combines aromatic garlic, a hint of smoked paprika, and a glossy buttery finish to create a flavorful, weeknight-friendly meal perfect for serving with rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder

Sauce and Cooking

3 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder, ensuring the spices are well distributed for balanced flavor.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook it for about 30 to 45 seconds until it becomes fragrant but does not brown, as browned garlic can become bitter.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet with garlic. Allow this mixture to gently bubble, stirring occasionally until the brown sugar dissolves completely and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet with the sauce. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, spooning the sauce over the chicken regularly to keep it moist and flavorful. Cook thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Finish the Glaze: Reduce heat to low and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Spoon the buttery glaze over the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further and become glossy and rich.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the pieces for maximum taste.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add the optional crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a juicier texture.
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complement the sweet and savory sauce.
Ensure chicken is cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
To make the sauce thicker, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic brown sugar chicken, sweet and savory chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, garlic chicken with soy sauce