Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Irresistible

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a quick and delicious dinner recipe that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Juicy, tender chicken is seared to golden perfection, then coated in a caramelized garlic-brown sugar glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining, this dish transforms basic ingredients into something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
Sweet & Savory Balance: Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully with garlic.
Family Friendly: A flavor combination that pleases kids and adults alike.
Pairs with Everything: Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or salad.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or light butter)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. Make the Glaze
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in brown sugar and let it melt into a glaze, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.

4. Finish Cooking
Cover and cook chicken for an additional 5–7 minutes (depending on thickness), until fully cooked through and glazed.

5. Serve
Remove from heat, spoon glaze over chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 34g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Add it after searing to prevent bitterness.
• Thin Chicken Cooks Faster: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, uniform cooking.
• Make Extra Sauce: Double the glaze ingredients if you want more to drizzle over sides.
• Caramelization is Key: Let the sugar bubble slightly for a rich, sticky glaze.

Why This Recipe Works

The natural sweetness of brown sugar balances perfectly with savory garlic and juicy chicken. By searing first, the chicken locks in flavor and stays tender, while the quick glaze adds richness and depth without needing complicated ingredients.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, and foolproof. With its sticky-sweet glaze and savory notes, it’s a dish that feels indulgent while still being simple to prepare. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress family and guests alike.