Description
Unlock succulent Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken! This sweet and savory masterpiece features golden-seared thighs bathed in a rich, garlicky brown sugar sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and 2 cloves of the minced garlic until well combined. If using, whisk in the cornstarch until dissolved.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 4: Pour the prepared brown sugar sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Step 5: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the sauce has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with fresh parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Leftover chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; the flavors often deepen overnight!
- To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has become too thick, until heated through.
- While fantastic over rice, try serving this savory-sweet chicken alongside some roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a complete and vibrant meal.
- Don't skip tasting the sauce before adding the chicken back in; if you prefer a less sweet or tangier profile, adjust with a touch more soy sauce or apple cider vinegar, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 boneless, skinless chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 345
- Sodium: 990mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 25g