Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken | Easy Chicken Breast Recipe In 30 Minutes! (2024)

This pan-seared garlic brown sugar chicken is our juicy go-to chicken breast recipe that’ll save your busy weeknights. Made with just 4 ingredients in 30 minutes, the whole family will be craving this sweet and savory chicken dinner!

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
• Chef’s Tips
• What Goes With Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
• More Easy Chicken Breast Recipes
• Get the Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

This brown sugar garlic chicken is juicy, tender and goes with just about any side dish! Here’s why you will love it:

• Quick: Dinner will be on the table in just 25 minutes!
• Sweet and Savory: There’s a perfect balance of flavors between the garlic’s fragrance, brown sugar, and spicy black pepper.
• Budget Friendly: You only need 4 simple ingredients and a little salt and pepper!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook the chicken in advance and reheat throughout the week for an extra easy lunch or dinner!

What You’ll Need

Notice the pattern with the rule of 4’s! 4 main ingredients and you need 4 of each! Super easy to remember when you are at the grocery store or in a rush.Scroll down to the recipe card for exact amounts.

• Chicken Breasts: I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but this recipe will also work with boneless chicken thighs.
• Butter: Unsalted is best. Reduce the salt in the rest of the recipe if you use salted butter.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must in this recipe to get good flavor. Instead of mincing the garlic, try slicing it to get even more garlic flavor in each bite! You can use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
• Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Go for kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Black pepper is more important than it seems as balances the brown sugar.

How to Make Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Adding another 2 teaspoons of finely chopped garlic before covering the pan will increase the recipe’s garlicky punch for those of us who can never have enough garlic! Scroll to the recipe card at bottom of the post for full detailed instructions.

• Season: Add salt and pepper to the chicken on all sides. Set it aside.
• Garlic: Melt the butter in a pan. Add the garlic and cook it until fragrant.
• Chicken: Place the chicken in the pan and let it cook on both sides until no longer pink.
• Sugar: Top chicken with brown sugar, cover the pan and cook until the sugar melts. Serve immediately!

Chef’s Tips

A few tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfect:

• Spicy: Sweet and spicy is an amazing combination! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili oil to taste for some heat.
• BBQ Sauce: Pour 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove it from the heat and enjoy.
• Thermometer: Stick a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the brown sugar chicken breast. It should read an internal temperature of 165°F once done. This will ensure you do not over cook and dry out your chicken!
• Add Herbs: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or sage into the pan when you cook the garlic. Let it release its aroma and cook the chicken as usual for hints of herbiness.
• Marinate: Mix 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic, and 1/4 cup honey mustard until well combined. Place the chicken inside a large plastic bag or bowl with the marinade. Shake well and refrigerate it overnight. The next day pour off the excess and prepare as usual, grill, or bake the chicken!

What Goes With Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?

This juicy brown sugar chicken recipe is great with just about anything. I particularly love it with pasta, brown or white rice, or roasted vegetables. Here are a few suggestions:

• Roasted Mushrooms: So easy and herb-y.
• Cucumber Tomato Salad: Light and refreshing.
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Loaded with spices and addictive.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Pairs perfectly with sweet and savory chicken.
• Herb Roasted Potatoes: Crispy outsides and tender insides.
• Homemade Garlic Knots: So warm, soft and tender.
• Sautéed Green Beans: My favorite green beans!

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Always let food cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to avoid spoilage.

• Fridge: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Place the chicken in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
• Reheat: Sprinkle chicken with 1 teaspoon water and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. You can also heat it in a covered skillet, with a little water, over medium heat for about 8 minutes. For large portions, place in a covered baking dish and bake in oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

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