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I whipped up this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken one night when my cupboard was nearly empty. It's now our go-to family meal! The way the sweet brown sugar mixes with the garlic creates an amazing coating that makes my family think I slaved away for hours, when it actually takes no time at all.
Why This Chicken Stands Out
What makes this dish wonderful is how easy it is. A handful of ingredients come together to make something truly special. The garlic gets nutty and caramelized while the sugar transforms into a stunning glaze. It goes perfectly with everything from a basic green salad to creamy mashed potatoes.
What You'll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Four evenly sized boneless skinless pieces.
- Garlic: Four cloves freshly minced.
- Brown Sugar: Four tablespoons of either dark or light variety.
- Olive Oil: Three teaspoons to sauté the garlic.
- Salt and Pepper: Added according to preference.
- Extra Flavors: I'll sometimes throw in fresh herbs or smoked paprika.
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Let's Get Cooking
- Almost Done
- Give it 5 minutes to rest before serving, you'll thank me later.
- Into The Oven
- Bake uncovered until fully cooked, around 15-30 minutes based on chicken thickness.
- Prep Your Chicken
- Place chicken in your dish, spread the yummy garlic mix on top, then add salt and pepper.
- Cook Your Garlic
- Heat the olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, then stir in brown sugar.
- Get Started
- Preheat your oven to 500°F and lightly spray your baking dish with oil.
My Best Tips
Try to get chicken pieces that are roughly the same thickness for even cooking. I sometimes add a bit of lemon zest or soy sauce to the garlic mixture for extra flavor. If you want some heat, just toss in some red pepper flakes.
Mix It Up
Don't be afraid to change things up! Add different herbs or try a dash of smoked paprika. My friends who follow keto diets use sugar alternatives and love the results. You can't go wrong with chicken thighs either, just cook them a little longer.
Quick Answers
Bone-in chicken works fine but needs extra oven time. You can keep any leftover chicken in your fridge for up to three days. It freezes well too, lasting about three months. We usually serve it with mashed potatoes, but it's also great with roasted veggies or plain rice.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Why is the oven so hot?
The heat creates a quick caramelization on the glaze while keeping the chicken nice and moist.
- → How do I check if it's done?
It’s ready when the thickest part reaches 165°F. Thicker pieces might need extra time.
- → Can I swap chicken breasts for thighs?
Thighs work great! Just note they may take longer to cook through.
- → Why cook the garlic beforehand?
Cooking garlic first tones down its harshness and makes it mix better with the sugar.
- → Can I prep this in advance?
Best served fresh, but leftovers last 3-4 days in a sealed container.