Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. With a crispy caramelized glaze, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Brown Sugar Garlic Glaze:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra caramelization)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tanginess)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Garlic Glaze

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and Dijon mustard.
4. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece.
2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

(If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish.)

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.
4. Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

✔ Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
✔ For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end.
✔ Make it spicier by adding extra red pepper flakes or sriracha.
✔ Want a thicker sauce? Simmer it for an extra 2-3 minutes before baking.

This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Would you like a side dish recommendation to go with it?