Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

Weeknights can be busy, and you still want a tasty dinner. These Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken pieces are simple to make and full of flavor. They’re tender, slightly sweet, and perfectly savory. You can cook them in one skillet, and the sauce comes together fast. Many readers on homeandfiesta look for recipes that are quick, tasty, and family-friendly, and this one fits perfectly.

Below, you’ll find what this recipe is, what you need, how to make it, why it works, and answers to common questions.

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

What is Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a dish where chicken is coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce.

• The chicken is first seared for color and flavor.
• The sauce caramelizes slightly, giving a glossy finish.
• You can serve it with rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

This dish works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. It’s flexible and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients for Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Here’s what you need to make four servings:

Chicken & Seasoning:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Sauce:

• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup chicken broth

Optional Garnishes:

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Tips:

• Use skinless chicken for a leaner dish.
• Brown sugar gives sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Chicken broth adds a mild savory base without extra salt.

How to Make Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Cook the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
4. Make the Sauce: Add ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup soy sauce, and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir until sugar dissolves.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat. Reduce heat and simmer 5–7 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
6. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of them in your kitchen. No fancy sauces required.
• Fast Cooking: Searing first locks in juices, and the sauce thickens quickly.
• Balanced Flavor: Sweet, salty, and garlicky all in one bite.
• Versatile: Works with white rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
• Make Ahead: Chicken and sauce can be cooked in advance and reheated.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
• Pair with sautéed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
• For a low carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Drizzle extra sauce over rice for more flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storing:

• Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Oven (if frozen): Thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil, until heated.

Tips:

If sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a little water or broth to bring it back to the right consistency.

Avoid overcooking when reheating; the chicken can dry out.