Introduction

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines savory and sweet elements into a deliciously sticky sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers tender chicken thighs coated in a rich, caramelized glaze.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, and butter. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes sticky and caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce fully adhere to the chicken.
Step 4: Serve the chicken warm, spooning extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken thighs in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, skinless chicken thighs will work well. They may cook a bit faster and yield a slightly different texture, but the flavors will remain delicious.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 105 reviews

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken features tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection and coated in a luscious, sticky sauce made from garlic, rich brown sugar, and savory soy sauce, finished with a touch of butter for added richness. This simple stovetop recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in a quick and easy dish.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear when cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked through.
Make the Sauce: Remove excess fat from the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the brown sugar and soy sauce, combining well to create the sauce base.
Simmer Until Sticky: Return the chicken to the skillet and lower the heat. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce, occasionally spooning sauce over the thighs, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky and caramelized on the chicken.
Finish with Butter: Add butter to the skillet and stir it gently into the sauce, allowing it to melt and enrich the flavor, creating a glossy finish on the chicken.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the garlic brown sugar chicken hot with your favorite sides, spooning extra sauce over the top.