Savory-Sweet Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
This Savory-Sweet Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken features succulent chicken pieces coated in a rich, glossy sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Equipment
- paper towels
- medium bowl
- small bowl
- large skillet or wok
- whisk
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Low sodium is a good choice to control saltiness.
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Other
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
- salt and black pepper To taste
- fresh parsley or green onions chopped (Optional Garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to create a slurry; set both aside.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, pour the brown sugar mixture into the same skillet, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the thickened sauce, and cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm through.
Serving
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
Serve this chicken with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. Adjust the amount of garlic and brown sugar to your preference.