Description
This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken features tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory glaze, infused with the rich aroma of garlic. It’s a quick and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment, including a large skillet, a spatula, and a meat thermometer. This will streamline your cooking process.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
- While the oil heats, season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides. This ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes on one side until they are golden brown and release easily from the pan.
- Flip the chicken thighs over and add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is browned on the other side and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and soy sauce, stirring until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes. The sauce should bubble gently, thickening and coating the chicken nicely.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature; it should read 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. If it’s not there yet, cook for another 2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain its juices.
- Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: For a healthier alternative, you can substitute coconut sugar or honey for brown sugar. If using honey, reduce the soy sauce slightly to balance the moisture content.