Name: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

If you're craving a dinner that's absolutely dreamy and packed with flavor, this Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is your new go-to! Imagine juicy, golden chicken bathed in a sticky, sweet-savory glaze that's bursting with garlicky goodness and caramelized brown sugar.

What makes this recipe a must-try? It comes together in one pan with just a handful of pantry staples, and you'll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes. The magic is all in that rich glaze-the brown sugar and garlic marry into a finger-licking sauce that's both comforting and crave-worthy.

This dish is a total weeknight hero and a guaranteed family favorite. Serve it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite veggies for a dinner everyone will remember.

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken was inspired by a classic family recipe my mom used to make. It's been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I can't wait for you to fall in love with it too!

Close-up of juicy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken with caramelized glaze

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in 35 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but quick.
No fancy ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have.
Ultra-flavorful glaze: The brown sugar and garlic combo is downright addictive.
Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Key Ingredients for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Thighs

Juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the star of this dish. They stay moist and tender and develop a beautiful golden skin when baked. If you prefer, boneless skinless thighs or even chicken breasts can be used-just watch the cooking time, as they may cook faster and be slightly less juicy.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar creates that signature sticky-sweet glaze. Light brown sugar gives a gentle caramel flavor, while dark brown sugar will add extra depth and richness. If you only have white sugar, it'll work in a pinch, but the sweetness will be less complex. Coconut sugar is a good alternative for a subtly different twist.

Fresh Garlic

Loads of fresh garlic bring bold, savory flavor and make this dish absolutely irresistible. Use freshly minced garlic for the best punch. Jarred minced garlic works too (about 1 teaspoon per clove), but fresh really makes the flavors shine.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and adds umami depth to the glaze. Go for low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake. You can swap with tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos if you're soy-free.

Butter

Butter helps to caramelize the garlic and brown sugar, giving the sauce a luscious, silky texture. Olive oil or ghee can be used if you're dairy-free, but butter brings out the best caramel flavor.

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken cooking process

Instructions for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. This helps the skin get extra crispy!

Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove chicken to a plate (it will finish cooking in the oven).

Make the Brown Sugar Garlic Glaze

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet with the drippings, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Bake the Chicken

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the glaze over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.

Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven (be careful, the handle will be hot!). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then spoon extra sauce from the pan over the top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Recipe Variations

Swap for Chicken Breasts

Prefer white meat? You can swap the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on them in the oven-they may cook a bit faster, so start checking at the 15-minute mark to avoid drying out.

Add Some Heat

If you love a little kick, sprinkle in ¼-1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with the brown sugar and garlic. It adds a subtle heat without overwhelming the sweet-savory balance.

Gluten-Free Option

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari or coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce. Double-check that your vinegar and other condiments are gluten-free as well.

Veggie-Packed Version

Bulk up your meal by adding quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, thinly sliced bell peppers, or snap peas to the skillet during the last 10 minutes of baking. The veggies soak up the delicious glaze!

Make It Dairy-Free

Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan buttery spread for a dairy-free twist. You'll still get that luscious sauce without the dairy.

Serving Suggestions

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy white or jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or tender egg noodles to soak up all the extra glaze. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli, garlicky green beans, or a crisp green salad. Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, covering until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute bursts. For freezing, cool chicken completely and freeze (with sauce) in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare the chicken and glaze, then store covered in the fridge up to a day in advance. Bake just before serving for the crispiest skin and freshest flavor.

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken?

A: Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs or breasts work great-just reduce the cooking time and check for doneness to avoid overcooking.

Q: What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

A: White wine vinegar or lemon juice are great substitutes. They'll still give you that tangy balance against the sweet glaze.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?

A: The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part, and the juices run clear.

This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is comfort food at its best-easy, flavorful, and sure to win over your family and friends. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Don't forget to leave a comment or rating below; I love hearing from you!

Why You'll Love This Recipe