Description
This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a delightful dish that features succulent chicken breasts coated in a flavorful garlic and brown sugar glaze. Perfectly seared and served over rice or mashed potatoes, it’s an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by drying the chicken breasts with a paper towel. This small step helps them brown beautifully. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. I always take a moment here to press the seasoning in gently—it helps create that flavorful crust.
- Sear for flavor: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. That sizzling sound is your cue that flavor is building.
- Add the garlic: Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir it around the chicken for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. The aroma at this stage is irresistible—warm, savory, and comforting.
- Create the glaze: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the chicken. As it melts, it combines with the garlic and pan juices to form a sticky, caramelized sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken as it cooks for another 3–5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and coat each piece.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), remove from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The glaze will continue to settle into a glossy finish.
Notes
- Serve your Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, making sure to drizzle every last bit of sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg