Craving something sweet with a bit of a savory kick? Look no further than our Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken! This dish is both delicious and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a gathering with friends. With the rich flavors of garlic and the caramel sweetness of brown sugar, this chicken dish will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients
Equipments
To make Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, you’ll need the following equipments: a large skillet, measuring cups, a wooden spoon or spatula, a sharp knife, and a cutting board.
How to Make Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken for cooking. Take boneless chicken thighs or breasts, and trim any excessive fat. Pat them dry with paper towels to reduce splatters during cooking. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. You want them nicely browned but not cooked through completely.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and a pinch of chili flakes. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer and Thickening
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors. The sauce will thicken slightly.
How to Serve Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Serve your Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside mashed potatoes to soak up the sweet and savory sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To make the most of this recipe, consider marinating the chicken in the brown sugar sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This can enhance its flavor. Also, taste as you cook – you can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar.
Packed with Protein: The High Protein Twist
If you’re looking to increase your protein intake, why not swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts? Keeping the same delicious flavors, chicken breasts provide a higher protein content while being leaner. You can also add quinoa to your dish to boost protein. A simple yet effective way to turn this sweet and savory dish into a muscle builder!
Carb-Conscious Delight: A Low-Carb Variation
For those following a low-carb diet, replace jasmine rice with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens. Additionally, ensure your brown sugar is the low-carb variant or substitute it with stevia or a similar sweetener. This version keeps all the flavor while being kind to your carb count!
Storage Instructions
Allow the leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm slowly on the stove or use a microwave. If desired, a splash of chicken broth can revive the sauce.
FAQs
- Can I use another sweetener instead of brown sugar? Absolutely! Try coconut sugar or any preferred non-sweet calorie alternative.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- What breathability should I use? A tight-fitting lid is crucial for the sauce to properly thicken during simmering.
- Is soy sauce essential? It’s recommended for flavor, but you can use tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
- How can I add more spice? For more heat, include optional cayenne pepper or increase the chili flakes.
Final Thoughts on Your Culinary Journey
The Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken stands as a testament to the balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and subtly spicy. It’s an easy yet engaging recipe that can be shared on social media or saved in your personal recipe collection. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed it, so feel free to leave a comment or share your twist on this culinary wonder!
Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken thighs
- brown sugar
- garlic
- soy sauce
- olive oil
- apple cider vinegar
- chicken broth
- salt and pepper
- chili flakes
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare and season the chicken.
- Sauté garlic in the skillet.
- Brown the chicken in the skillet.
- Mix and add sauce components.
- Simmer the dish until the sauce thickens.