Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe – Easy & Irresistible Recipe
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs or breasts are seared to a golden brown and then simmered in a luscious garlic and brown sugar glaze, creating an irresistible caramelized sauce that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into even pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Avoid cooking the chicken through at this stage.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until well blended to create a smooth glaze.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the chicken to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure it is evenly coated with the thickening glaze.
- Finish Cooking: Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and caramelizes nicely over the chicken, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken for an added burst of flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For juicier results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
- Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F for proper doneness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, garlic chicken, sweet and savory chicken, quick chicken recipe, skillet chicken, easy dinner, caramelized chicken