Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Hey there! If you're looking for a recipe that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t take hours to make, this Brown Garlic Chicken is about to be your new best friend. It’s got the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and garlicky goodness. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

What You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 head of garlic (yes, a whole head—get ready for that garlicky goodness!)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for that little sweet tang)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you’ve got it!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, but who doesn’t love a bit of fresh color?)

How to Make It

1. Prep Your Chicken:
   Start by patting your chicken dry with a paper towel (this helps it crisp up in the pan!). Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried thyme. Keep it simple.
2. Garlic Time:
   Next, grab your garlic and peel it. You’re going to want to slice it thinly so that it can infuse all that delicious flavor into the chicken while it cooks. Set the garlic slices aside.
3. Searing the Chicken:
   Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pan (I like to use a cast-iron skillet for extra crispy results). Once it’s nice and hot, add the chicken. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. You’re aiming for that crispy, brown exterior. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Making the Garlic Sauce:
   In the same pan, add your garlic slices and sauté them in the leftover oil. Be careful here—garlic can burn quickly, so stir it around for about 1-2 minutes, until it turns a lovely golden brown (but not dark brown!). You’re going for fragrance and color.
5. Adding the Sauce:
   Once your garlic is perfectly browned, it’s time to pour in the soy sauce, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Stir it all together, scraping up any delicious bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Bringing it All Together:
   Place your chicken back into the pan, spooning that gorgeous garlic sauce over the top. Let it cook for another minute or two to soak up the flavor. You want the chicken to absorb that sticky, garlicky goodness.
7. Finishing Touches:
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you’ve got it. The green adds a nice pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   You did it! Now plate your chicken, drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the top, and dig in. Serve it alongside some rice, roasted veggies, or a simple salad to complete the meal.

Tips & Tricks

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer thighs over breasts, feel free to swap them in! They’ll be juicier and just as tasty.
• Add Veggies: If you’re looking to make this a one-pan meal, you can add veggies like asparagus, mushrooms, or bell peppers when you cook the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic if you like a little heat with your savory dish.

That’s it! A simple, fast, and seriously flavorful Brown Garlic Chicken that’s sure to wow anyone at the table.