Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a simple skillet dinner that delivers big flavor with pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden; remove.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Serve with extra sauce spooned on top.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well.
- Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too quickly.
- Delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a simple skillet dinner that delivers big flavor with pantry staples. Tender chicken is seared until golden, then simmered in a sticky, glossy sauce made from brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce. The sweetness melts into savory richness, while a splash of vinegar keeps everything balanced and crave-worthy.
As the sauce reduces, it clings to the chicken, creating that irresistible caramelized finish you’ll want to spoon over everything on your plate. This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort without complication. Pair it with rice to soak up the sauce or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Sweet, savory, and just a little addictive, Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken proves that bold, satisfying dinners don’t need a long ingredient list—just the right combination of flavors cooked the right way.
