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Sticky Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken with sesame seeds in skillet, steam rising

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken: 10/10 Weeknight Dinner Idea


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  • Author: Carmen
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Sticky-sweet, garlicky perfection in 30 minutes! This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is your weeknight hero – crispy-edged chicken smothered in a glossy caramelized glaze that kids and adults obsess over.


Ingredients

▢ 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1″ pieces)
▢ 1 tbsp cornstarch
▢ ½ tsp salt + black pepper
▢ 2 tbsp avocado/vegetable oil
Sticky Glaze:
▢ ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
▢ ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
▢ 4-5 garlic cloves, minced (about 1.5 tbsp)
▢ 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
▢ ¼ cup water or chicken broth
▢ Optional: 1 tsp grated ginger, sesame seeds, sliced green onions


Instructions

  1. CRISP CHICKEN: Pat chicken dry. Toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Sear in hot oil 5-6 mins until golden. Set aside.

  2. WHISK GLAZE: In same pan, sauté garlic 30 sec. Add brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Boil 1 minute.

  3. SIMMER: Return chicken to pan. Cook 8-10 mins until sauce thickens into glossy glaze.

  4. FINISH: Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot!

Notes

🔥 Spicy twist: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to glaze
🍗 Thighs > breasts: Juicier results!
🚫 No cornstarch? Substitute 1 tbsp flour
🥡 Storage: Fridge 3 days / Freeze 2 months
💡 Pro tip: Pat chicken EXTRA dry for perfect crispiness!

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg