Name: Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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I love making Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken when I want a simple dinner that feels rich and comforting without much effort. The combination of garlic and brown sugar creates a sticky, savory-sweet sauce that coats the chicken beautifully and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together quickly. The chicken stays juicy while the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that tastes like it took much longer to make. I also enjoy how versatile it is, since it pairs well with rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
brown sugar
garlic
soy sauce
olive oil
butter
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper. I heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides.

I remove the chicken briefly and lower the heat. In the same skillet, I add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. I stir in the brown sugar and soy sauce, letting the mixture melt and combine into a smooth sauce.

I return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. I let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked. I finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add sliced onions or mushrooms to the skillet for extra flavor. When I want a deeper sweetness, I mix in a small amount of honey. For a lighter option, I use chicken breasts and reduce the sauce slightly longer to keep it thick.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short intervals, spooning extra sauce over the top to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?

I can transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, basting halfway through.

Does this recipe work with bone-in chicken?

I use bone-in chicken sometimes, but I extend the cooking time and make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Is this dish very sweet?

I find it balanced, but I reduce the brown sugar slightly if I prefer a more savory flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I simply replace the butter with extra olive oil, and it works just as well.

What should I serve with Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken?

I usually serve it with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up the sauce.

Conclusion

I keep Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken in my regular dinner rotation because it’s easy, flavorful, and always satisfying. Every time I make it, the sweet garlic sauce turns simple chicken into a meal that feels special without being complicated.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

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Juicy chicken cooked in a rich garlic brown sugar sauce that turns sticky and glossy, delivering a comforting sweet-and-savory flavor with minimal effort.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the brown sugar and soy sauce, allowing the sugar to melt and form a smooth sauce.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired and serve warm.