Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
Introduction
Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an irresistible weeknight dinner or a delightful choice for guests.
Juicy, tender chicken breasts are baked to perfection with a rich glaze made of caramelized garlic and brown sugar, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
Best of all, this dish requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not burn).
- Stir the brown sugar into the garlic until it forms a thick, caramel-like mixture. Remove from heat.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and spoon the garlic-brown sugar mixture evenly over each piece.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Description
This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken offers the perfect marriage of flavors—garlic brings a savory depth, while brown sugar creates a slightly caramelized sweetness that keeps the chicken moist and tender.
The simple preparation makes it ideal for busy evenings, yet the taste is impressive enough for a dinner party.
Tips
- Don’t burn the garlic — keep the heat low when sautéing.
- Brine the chicken in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking for extra juiciness.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Chicken thighs work wonderfully for even more tenderness.
- Double the sauce if you love extra glaze for rice or vegetables.
Correction
If your chicken comes out dry, it’s likely overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to remove it from the oven as soon as it hits 165°F (74°C).
Also, ensure the chicken breasts are not too thin—pounding them evenly helps them cook consistently.
Enjoy
Serve your Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or fluffy rice.
The sweetness of the glaze pairs beautifully with savory sides, making every bite balanced and satisfying.
