Description
This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Mince the garlic and slice the green onions while ensuring your chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces. This will help everything cook evenly and quickly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until the oil shimmers. This indicates it's hot enough to sear the chicken.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving them to allow a golden crust to form. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as that can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Once the chicken is golden brown on one side, flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes until combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Let the sauce bubble and thicken for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the chicken evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has reduced slightly and is glossy.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and remove the skillet from the heat. Allow it to sit for a minute to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired, then serve immediately. The dish pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: One common mistake is not allowing the chicken to sear properly before flipping. Using a cast-iron skillet can enhance the cooking process because it retains heat effectively, giving you a perfect sear and helping to thicken the sauce uniformly.