Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the Pan:
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken:
– Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce:
– In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
– Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar (if using), dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
– Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the garlic brown sugar sauce over the chicken, coating it well.
– Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
6. Serve:
– Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and spoon any remaining sauce over the top.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
– Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce further.
– Side Dishes: Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
– Flavor Variations: For a slightly tangy flavor, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce.
This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. It’s an easy and delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!