Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan.
3. Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Depending on the thickness of the chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Brown Sugar Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic to the remaining oil and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add Brown Sugar and Soy Sauce: Stir in the brown sugar and soy sauce (if using), and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sugar has melted and formed a sticky, caramelized sauce.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Return Chicken to the Pan: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, and spoon the garlic brown sugar sauce over the top.
2. Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in the sweet and savory glaze.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve Hot: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
2. Garnish: For a fresh touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts work great in this recipe, chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy, especially with the caramelized sauce.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
• Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Make it Saucy: If you like extra sauce, double the garlic brown sugar mixture so you can have more to drizzle over your chicken and side dishes.

Variations

• Honey Garlic Chicken: Swap the brown sugar for honey to create a honey garlic version of this dish. It will add a different layer of sweetness while still keeping the savory garlic flavors.
• Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken: Mix in a tablespoon of barbecue sauce to the brown sugar mixture for a smokier, tangy flavor.
• Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon: Try this recipe with salmon fillets for a seafood version. The garlic and brown sugar glaze pairs beautifully with fish.

What to Serve with Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

This sweet and savory chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Rice: Serve with white or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich, sweet glaze.
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or steamed carrots make great vegetable sides.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. The sticky garlic brown sugar glaze clings to the tender chicken, making every bite incredibly satisfying. With minimal effort and a short list of ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen!