There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that’s both sweet and savory, and this Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is exactly that. The combination of rich, caramelized brown sugar with the bold, aromatic flavor of garlic creates a dish that feels indulgent yet incredibly simple to prepare. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, drawing everyone to the table before it’s even ready.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also an excellent choice for a cozy Sunday dinner, served with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
- Family-friendly – A sweet and savory balance that both kids and adults will love.
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples, so no need for special trips to the grocery store.
- Versatile – Pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from vegetables to grains.
- Meal-prep friendly – Store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter
How to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
This dish comes together quickly, making it a great choice for weeknights. The key is to caramelize the brown sugar with the garlic, creating a flavorful glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings stick better and gives the chicken a better sear. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4–5 minutes on the other side. The goal is to get a nice crust while ensuring the inside stays juicy. If the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet, don’t worry—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Brown Sugar Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic, not dark brown.
Sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir until it starts to melt into the butter and garlic, forming a thick glaze. The mixture will be bubbly and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want.
Step 4: Coat and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the brown sugar garlic glaze over each piece. Let the chicken cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing it to soak up all the flavors and ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use an instant-read thermometer – This ensures the chicken is cooked through without overcooking. Aim for 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t overcook the garlic – Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it as you make the glaze. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
- Let the chicken rest – Giving the chicken a few minutes to rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
- Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer a slightly less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar to ⅓ cup.
- Add a bit of spice – A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can add a little heat to balance the sweetness.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- If you prefer using chicken thighs, they work just as well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- If you want extra sauce, you can double the brown sugar and butter amounts to create more glaze.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 580mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Bone-in chicken will work, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken in a skillet first, then transfer it to a baking dish. Pour the garlic brown sugar mixture over the chicken and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.
How do I make this dish less sweet?
If you want to tone down the sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to ⅓ cup or add a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, here are a few more dishes to try:
Conclusion
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavors. The caramelized brown sugar, aromatic garlic, and perfectly seared chicken make for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or a crisp salad, it’s bound to be a hit with everyone at the table.
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Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that’s both sweet and savory, and this Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is exactly that. The combination of rich, caramelized brown sugar with the bold, aromatic flavor of garlic creates a dish that feels indulgent yet incredibly simple to prepare. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, drawing everyone to the table before it’s even ready.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also an excellent choice for a cozy Sunday dinner, served with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings stick better and gives the chicken a better sear. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4–5 minutes on the other side. The goal is to get a nice crust while ensuring the inside stays juicy. If the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet, don’t worry—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic, not dark brown.
Sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir until it starts to melt into the butter and garlic, forming a thick glaze. The mixture will be bubbly and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the brown sugar garlic glaze over each piece. Let the chicken cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing it to soak up all the flavors and ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer using chicken thighs, they work just as well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- If you want extra sauce, you can double the brown sugar and butter amounts to create more glaze.