1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Brown Sugar and Liquids: Stir in the brown sugar, honey (if using), water (or chicken broth), and soy sauce (if using). Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat it well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well coated and heated through.
4. Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a touch of color. Serve the chicken hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Tips:
- Chicken Thighs Option: For a juicier and more flavorful dish, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Adjusting Sweetness: The amount of brown sugar and honey can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. More honey will give a sweeter, stickier glaze, while less will let the garlic flavor shine through more strongly.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe is a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a comforting meal for any day of the week. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish!