Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, tender, and juicy dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Tired of dry, bland chicken that lacks excitement?
This recipe is here to change the game. With a sticky, caramelized glaze of brown sugar, garlic, and spices, this dish delivers a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory.
Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen! As the recipe developer and heart behind Cooks Foody, I’ve tested countless chicken recipes to find the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity.
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is one of my family’s most requested dishes, and I can’t wait to share it with you. In this post, I’ll guide you through why it works, choosing the right chicken cuts, prep tips, cooking methods, flavor variations, serving ideas, and FAQs so you’ll be confident every time you cook it.
Why This Meat Recipe Works: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find chicken cuts.
- Marinate in just 15 minutes for maximum tenderness.
- Perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts.
Choosing the Right Meat for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Best Cuts for This Recipe
Chicken thighs are the best choice for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken because they stay juicy and absorb the glaze beautifully. Chicken breasts also work if you prefer leaner meat, but take care not to overcook them.
Buying Tips
Look for chicken with a pinkish color and no unpleasant odor. Fresh, bone-in thighs will add more flavor, while boneless cuts are more convenient.
Substitutions
If you want to swap, chicken drumsticks also work well in Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, offering a fun, family-friendly option.
Ingredients & Prep for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Meat Prep Essentials
- Trim excess fat and pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
- Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking for even results.
Marinades/Rubs
- Brown sugar, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, paprika, black pepper.
- Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours for bold flavor.
Pantry Staples
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Garlic cloves
- Chicken stock
- Dried herbs (thyme, oregano, parsley)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Pre-Cooking Prep: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.
Cooking Method: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in brown sugar, stock, and herbs to create the glaze.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
Doneness Check: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
Resting: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Meat: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Don’t overcook use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Baste chicken with glaze while cooking.
Tool Recommendations for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Cast-iron skillet for even searing.
- Digital thermometer for doneness checks.
Storage & Reheating for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of stock to keep moist.
Flavor Variations for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
| Variation | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Spicy Twist | Add red pepper flakes or cayenne. |
| Keto/Paleo | Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. |
| Global Flavors | Add ginger and soy sauce for Asian flair, or rosemary for a Mediterranean touch. |
Serving Suggestions for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Serve over fluffy rice to soak up the sweet garlic glaze.
- Great for meal prep pack with quinoa and steamed broccoli.
FAQs: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw completely before marinating and cooking.
How do I fix overcooked chicken?
Slice it thinly and drizzle extra glaze or chicken stock over it to add moisture.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?
Yes, as long as the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F.
Conclusion
Ready to elevate your dinner game? Fire up your skillet and try this Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken tonight it’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to please.
Print
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken 5-Star Easy & Juicy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish with a sweet and savory glaze ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken thighs
3 tbsp brown sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides.
4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
5. Stir in brown sugar and chicken stock to create glaze.
6. Simmer until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
7. Baste with glaze and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve over rice or with mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of stock to keep moist.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken