Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

Chicken is a versatile protein that can take on a variety of flavors, and this Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a great example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delectable dish. The brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness, while the garlic provides depth and savoriness. Together, they create a perfectly balanced glaze that coats the chicken, resulting in a succulent, sticky, and flavorful meal.

This recipe works with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks and can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared. You can customize the sweetness and garlic level according to your preference, making it a perfect addition to any meal rotation.

Equipment:

• Large skillet (if pan-searing)
• Baking dish (if baking in the oven)
• Small bowl or saucepan (to make the glaze)
• Basting brush (optional, for glazing the chicken)
• Knife and cutting board (for mincing garlic)
• Spoon or whisk (for mixing the glaze)
• Meat thermometer (optional, for checking the chicken’s internal temperature)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Before you start cooking, ensure that your chicken is prepped and ready to go.

1. Trim the Chicken:
   If you’re using chicken breasts, trim any excess fat or skin. For bone-in chicken, you may need to remove the skin if you prefer, but it’s also okay to leave it on for added flavor during cooking.
2. Season the Chicken:
   Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. This will help enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and balance out the sweetness of the glaze.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Garlic Glaze

The brown sugar garlic glaze is the star of this recipe. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a small bowl or saucepan, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil (or butter), ground ginger (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk Together:
   Whisk all the ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If the glaze feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
3. Simmer the Glaze:
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the glaze to a simmer. Stir occasionally, and allow the mixture to bubble for 2-3 minutes. The glaze will thicken slightly as it simmers. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
4. Taste and Adjust:
   After simmering, taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning. If you’d like more tang, add a little more vinegar. If you prefer more sweetness, add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar. If you’re a fan of spice, add more crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Remove from Heat:
   Once the glaze has thickened and tastes perfect, remove it from the heat and set it aside. If you’re preparing the glaze ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

There are several ways to cook the chicken for this recipe: pan-searing, baking, or grilling. Here, we’ll go through the pan-searing method and baking method, but you can choose whichever method suits you best.

Option 1: Pan-Searing the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Swirl the pan to evenly coat the bottom with oil.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan (or thighs/drumsticks if you prefer). Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. If you’re using thick chicken breasts, you may need to lower the heat to medium to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning the outside.
3. Check Internal Temperature:
   The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
4. Baste with the Glaze:
   When the chicken is almost done, brush the brown sugar garlic glaze over the chicken. Let the chicken cook for another minute or two, allowing the glaze to caramelize and form a sticky coating.
5. Finish Cooking:
   Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer it to a serving platter. If you want, you can spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the chicken for extra flavor.

Option 2: Baking the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken while allowing the glaze to set and caramelize.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. If you’re using bone-in chicken, consider lining the dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
3. Arrange the Chicken:
   Place the seasoned chicken breasts (or thighs/drumsticks) in the baking dish in a single layer.
4. Add the Glaze:
   Spoon half of the brown sugar garlic glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce.
5. Bake the Chicken:
   Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). During the last 5-7 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with more glaze to help it caramelize and thicken.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Once the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and golden, remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once your Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is cooked, it’s time to serve. You can garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for color and a fresh flavor contrast. If you prefer an extra kick, you can add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra glaze.

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots are a great complement to the sweet and savory chicken.
• Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes all work well with this dish.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.

Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken:

1. Use Fresh Garlic:
   Freshly minced garlic will provide the best flavor for the glaze. Avoid using garlic powder, as it won’t have the same pungency and depth.
2. Customize the Sweetness:
   Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on how sweet you want the glaze to be. If you prefer a more savory sauce, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken:
   To ensure the chicken remains juicy and tender, make sure to monitor its internal temperature closely. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
4. Make Extra Glaze:
   If you’re a fan of extra sauce, double the glaze recipe. This way, you can drizzle more over the chicken and sides when serving.
5. Add Vegetables to the Dish:
   For a one-pan meal, add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the baking dish with the chicken. They’ll soak up some of the delicious glaze as they cook.
6. Grilling Option:
   For a smoky twist, you can grill the chicken instead of pan-searing or baking. Just baste the chicken with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to allow it to caramelize.

Conclusion:

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or any time you crave something both sweet and savory. The glaze, made from brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and tangy mustard, creates a rich and sticky coating on the chicken that is irresistibly delicious. Whether you choose to pan-sear, bake, or grill the chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.

Yield: 4

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

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Chicken is a versatile protein that can take on a variety of flavors, and this Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a great example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delectable dish. The brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness, while the garlic provides depth and savoriness. Together, they create a perfectly balanced glaze that coats the chicken, resulting in a succulent, sticky, and flavorful meal.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), and red pepper flakes (if desired). Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add a little olive oil to the skillet if necessary.
3. Sear the chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the glaze: In the same skillet, pour the brown sugar garlic sauce you made earlier. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Coat the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer in the sauce for 2-3 more minutes to coat the chicken well.
6. Serve: Once the chicken is nicely glazed, remove it from the skillet and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like.

Notes

For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.

Serve this dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to soak up the tasty sauce.

You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a little tang.