Pin it
This brown sugar garlic chicken is a quick dinner favorite with tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a sweet garlicky sauce. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and is perfect for weeknights when you want something fast yet full of flavor.
I first made this on a hectic Tuesday night and now it’s on regular dinner rotation at our house. The aroma fills the kitchen and makes it feel like something special even when time is tight.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose firm plump pieces that are roughly the same size for even cooking
- Olive oil: Brushed on the chicken it helps lock in moisture
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavor of the chicken
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness that balances the savory garlic
- Water: Helps dissolve and blend the sauce ingredients evenly
- Garlic powder: Gives bold garlicky flavor without having to mince fresh cloves
- Dried thyme: Adds a warm herbal note that complements the sweetness
- Ground black pepper: Provides a subtle background heat that makes everything pop
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Brush each chicken breast with a little olive oil then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a well-flavored base before the sauce even hits the pan
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl stir together the brown sugar water garlic powder dried thyme salt and pepper. Mix well until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved into the liquid. It will be thin which is perfect for baking
- Add Chicken and Sauce to the Dish:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Pour the brown sugar garlic sauce evenly over the top letting it coat all sides of the chicken
- Bake to Perfection:
- Put the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for twenty to twenty five minutes. You will know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer to be sure
- Serve with Extra Sauce:
- Remove from the oven and transfer the chicken to serving plates. Spoon the baking dish sauce over the chicken. This sweet savory sauce is also perfect for pouring over cooked rice or pasta
Pin it
I especially love the way the brown sugar caramelizes slightly during baking. One time my daughter said it smelled like candy chicken and now that’s what we call it at home. This dish always brings a smile.
Storage Tips
Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven at three seventy five degrees or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have garlic powder use fresh minced garlic but sauté it in a bit of oil first to mellow the sharpness. Dried rosemary can replace thyme though the flavor will shift slightly. You can also use boneless skinless thighs which stay moist and juicy.
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
Serve over jasmine rice mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans balances the sweet and savory notes beautifully.
Cultural or Historical Context
Brown sugar garlic chicken is a modern classic of home cooking. It borrows from sweet savory pairings found in Asian and Southern cuisine blending sugar and spices for that perfect comfort food bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and may even add more flavor due to their higher fat content. Adjust baking time as needed.
- → How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures safe and juicy results.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix the sauce ingredients in advance and refrigerate. Stir before using to recombine.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
It pairs nicely with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even over pasta to soak up the sauce.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.