Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

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Let’s get real for a moment—this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is an absolute game-changer. Picture this: juicy, tender chicken with a golden, caramelized glaze that’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for cozy dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want to impress without stressing over the stove. The best part? It’s so easy to make! Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite.

This one’s for you, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to serve guests while you take all the credit. Grab your baking dish, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

  • Versatile: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a dinner party, this dish shines in any setting. Imagine the compliments as you serve it up, and I guarantee you’ll get requests for the recipe.
  • Budget-Friendly: Made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, so you don’t need to break the bank to create something amazing.
  • Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, even beginner cooks can pull this off like a pro. It’s the perfect recipe for when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the flavors to suit your tastes. Want a little extra kick? Add a dash of cayenne. Prefer a milder sweetness? Adjust the brown sugar to your liking.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Seriously, everyone loves this dish—kids, adults, and everyone in between. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at your table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this mouthwatering dish:

Chicken

The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) are perfect for soaking up that sweet and savory glaze.

Garlic

The aromatic hero of the recipe, garlic brings warmth and richness to the sauce. It pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Brown Sugar

Sweet, sticky, and full of caramel flavor, this ingredient gives the chicken a glaze that’s irresistible.

Olive Oil

Adds richness and helps everything come together beautifully.

Soy Sauce

A little saltiness from the soy sauce balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar for that perfect harmony of flavors.

Dijon Mustard

Just a touch of tangy mustard adds a depth of flavor and helps thicken the glaze.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A splash of vinegar cuts through the sweetness and adds a little zing.

Salt & Pepper

For seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper will bring all the flavors together in the most delicious way.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and gives the chicken that gorgeous golden finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a baking dish. Pour the garlic brown sugar mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. For extra flavor, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Bake

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken nice and juicy. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

  • With Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced, flavorful meal.
  • Over Rice: Serve it over fluffy white rice or even brown rice to soak up that delicious glaze.
  • With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great contrast to the rich sweetness of the chicken.
  • With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes would be perfect for pairing with this flavorful chicken.

Additional Tips

  • Prep Ahead: You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pour it over the chicken when you’re ready to cook.
  • Customize the Flavor: Want a bit of heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.
  • Double the Batch: If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, go ahead and double the recipe. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook, so just adjust the baking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day, and you’ll have an easy, delicious meal ready to go.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Q5: How can I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven keeps the chicken juicier.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure you have a big enough baking dish to fit all the chicken, and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs, especially if you skip the rice or potatoes and serve it with veggies instead.

Q8: Can I substitute the brown sugar with something else?

You can try using honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different sweetener, but the flavor might vary slightly.

Q9: What sides go well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad are perfect sides for this sweet and savory chicken.

Q10: Can I add extra spices to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to play around with spices like paprika, thyme, or oregano to add your own twist to the flavor profile.

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Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

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This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is the perfect combination of savory garlic and sweet brown sugar, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 20-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  1. 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  2. 4 garlic cloves, minced
  3. 4 tablespoons brown sugar
  4. 3 teaspoons olive oil
  5. Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
  • In a small sauté pan, sauté garlic with olive oil until tender.
  • Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar.
  • Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and cover with the garlic and brown sugar mixture.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Notes

  • Baking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Start checking for doneness at 15 minutes.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic and brown sugar mixture for 30 minutes before baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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