Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

 

🧄🍗 Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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📝 Description:

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a savory-sweet dish made by pan-searing or baking chicken until golden, then glazing it in a garlicky brown sugar sauce that’s rich, sticky, and caramelized. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, this dish delivers big flavor with little effort.

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⏱️ Prep & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10–15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–35 minutes

• Total Time: ~40–50 minutes

• Serves: 4–6 people

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🧂 Ingredients

Chicken:

• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for searing)

Sauce:

• 4–6 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds umami depth)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Optional: ¼ cup chicken broth or water (to thin sauce if needed)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds tang)

• 1 tablespoon honey (for extra gloss and sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped

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🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Trim the chicken: Remove any excess fat or connective tissue.

2. Season: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Tip: Drying the chicken helps it brown better when searing.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—just browned.

Optional: If you want crispier texture, you can finish it in the oven later.

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Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, push the chicken to one side (or remove briefly).

2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the pan.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn).

4. Stir in ½ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.

Optional Additions: If using mustard, herbs, or chili flakes, stir them in now.

5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a glaze. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of water or broth.

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Step 4: Combine and Cook Through

1. Return the chicken (if removed) to the skillet, turning to coat in the sauce.

2. Cover the pan and cook on low for another 8–12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

3. Uncover and let the sauce reduce further for a sticky finish, spooning it over the chicken to glaze.

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Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds for color and texture.

• Serve immediately with your choice of side.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken pairs well with:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

• Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta

• Roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans

• A light garden salad with vinaigrette

• Garlic noodles or buttered pasta

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🔄 Variations

🔥 Spicy Garlic Chicken

• Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili flakes into the sauce.

🍊 Orange Brown Sugar Chicken

• Add 1 tablespoon orange juice and a little zest for a citrusy twist.

🍍 Tropical Version

• Add pineapple chunks and a splash of pineapple juice.

🍗 Baked Version

• After searing, transfer everything to a baking dish.

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until glazed and cooked through.

🐔 Slow Cooker Option

• Place seasoned raw chicken in slow cooker.

• Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl, then pour over chicken.

• Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

• Broil at the end for crispness if desired.

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🧠 Tips for Best Results

• Use thighs for more flavor and moisture. Breasts can dry out quickly.

• Don't burn the garlic! Sauté gently on medium heat to avoid bitterness.

• Let the sauce reduce enough so it clings to the chicken.

• Caramelization is key. Let the brown sugar melt and bubble to form a glaze.

• Add sauce slowly if you're nervous about sweetness—taste as you go.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but be careful not to overcook them. They’re leaner and may dry out faster.

Is this dish very sweet?

The sweetness is noticeable but balanced by garlic and soy sauce. You can reduce the brown sugar to ⅓ cup if you prefer.

What if I don’t have soy sauce?

Try Worcestershire sauce, tamari (for gluten-free), or a dash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Can I use white sugar?

Technically yes, but brown sugar gives a richer flavor due to its molasses content.

How do I know the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature for chicken.

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🧾 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

This is an approximation based on 6 servings:

• Calories: ~280–350 kcal

• Protein: 25–30g

• Fat: 12–15g

• Carbohydrates: 12–18g

• Sugars: 10–15g

• Fiber: <1g

• Sodium: ~450–600mg

Nutrition varies depending on chicken cuts and how much sauce you use.

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❤️ Why You'll Love It

• Fast: Ready in under an hour.

• Flexible: Works with thighs, breasts, baked or pan-fried.

• Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.

• Customizable: Add spice, tang, citrus, or fresh herbs.

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📌 Final Thoughts

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that belongs in your regular rotation. Whether you pan-fry it on a weeknight or roast it for guests, it delivers comfort food vibes with a gourmet finish. Keep the garlic fragrant, the sugar caramelized, and your sides simple—and you'll have a dinner that everyone will remember.