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brown sugar garlic chicken plated with rice and vegetables

Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken features tender, juicy chicken baked in a rich caramelized brown sugar and garlic sauce. It’s perfectly sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavor, all with just a handful of ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly dinner that pairs effortlessly with rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

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.

Instructions  

  • Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • 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.
  • Cook the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
  • Make the Sauce: Add ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup soy sauce, and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  • 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.
  • Optional Garnish: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions before serving.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Adjust brown sugar and garlic to taste for sweetness or kick.
  • Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for lower sodium.
  • Sear chicken first to get a caramelized crust before glazing.
  • Simmer sauce gently until thick and glossy; add cornstarch if needed.
  • Serve with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain glaze texture and flavor.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 360  
Carbohydrates: 20g  
Fiber: 1g  
Sugars: 15g  
Protein: 32g  
Fat: 16g  
Saturated Fat: 3g  
Cholesterol: 110mg  
Sodium: 550mg  
Potassium: 450mg  
Calcium: 20mg  
Iron: 1.5mg
Keyword Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe