Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This Brown Sugar Skillet Chicken is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and caramelized goodness, this recipe proves that gourmet cooking can be both simple and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and browning.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip chicken breasts and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the chicken breasts, allowing it to melt and caramelize.
- Pour soy sauce around the chicken in the skillet, creating a flavorful glaze.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, occasionally spooning the pan sauce over the chicken.
- Check internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer; ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Spoon remaining pan sauce over chicken before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible - it provides the best heat distribution and creates an incredible sear.
- Don't rush the caramelization process. Let the brown sugar melt slowly to create a rich, deep glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with the soy sauce before adding it to the skillet.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 410kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 48g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 180mg
