Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Stir the brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and dissolve into a smooth sauce.
- Place the chicken into the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Add the butter to the pan and spoon the sauce over the chicken for 1–2 minutes until it becomes rich and shiny.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, serving immediately with extra sauce over the top.
Notes
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better adherence. Monitor the garlic to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, garlic, brown sugar, easy dinner, weeknight meal