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Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

A delightful dish that combines the sweet flavor of brown sugar with savory garlic, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 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
  • to taste fresh parsley (chopped for garnish) optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Cooking
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Place the chicken into the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks, until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Add the butter to the pan and spoon the thickened, glossy sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes until rich and shiny.
Serving
  1. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better texture. Don't skip the resting time after cooking; it helps the juices redistribute. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasonings for a few hours or overnight. You can adapt this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the skillet.