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–+ servings
Delicious Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken served with steaming vegetables

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

An easy, savory, and sticky chicken dish featuring boneless thighs seared to perfection and coated in a sweet and garlicky brown sugar glaze.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or a neutral oil with a high smoke point
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed light or dark; dark gives deeper molasses flavor
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce use low-sodium if preferred
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar rice vinegar works as a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger for brighter heat
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional for a mild kick
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water for slurry

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Searing
  1. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear without moving for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Flip and sear the other side until both sides are golden brown. Transfer the thighs to a plate and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Whisk in the brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
Simmering
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part.
Thickening the Sauce
  1. Stir the cornstarch slurry so it’s smooth. Slowly add it to the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.
  2. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Serving
  1. Remove the pan from the heat and spoon extra glaze over the chicken. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and sticky.

Nutrition

Serving: 4Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 28gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 820mgSugar: 14g

Notes

For a gluten-free option, swap soy sauce for tamari. If you want less sugar, reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup and taste the sauce as it simmers. Don’t crowd the pan when searing, and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely.

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