Name: Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken a juicy chicken breasts coated in a caramelized brown sugar and garlic glaze, baked to perfection for a sweet and savory main dish. This easy one-pan dinner is a go-to when I need something quick yet flavorful, and it never disappoints with its tender, sticky, and savory goodness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned.

Next, I remove the skillet from heat and stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, paprika, black pepper, and salt. I mix until everything forms a thick glaze.

Then I place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and spoon the glaze evenly over each piece.

I bake the chicken uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

For a more caramelized finish, I broil it for the last 2 to 3 minutes.

After removing from the oven, I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for thighs when I want an even juicier result.

For a bit of spice, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.

If I’m short on brown sugar, a mix of honey and maple syrup gives a similar sweetness.

I’ve tried adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze for a tangy twist.

This also works great with bone-in chicken, though it will need a longer bake time.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it in a covered skillet over low heat to maintain moisture. If frozen, I thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is done?

I always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh?

Yes, I’ve used pre-minced garlic in a pinch, though fresh garlic gives the best flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As long as I use gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe is entirely gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare the glaze and marinate the chicken in it a few hours in advance. Then I just bake when ready.

What sides go well with this dish?

I like serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the sweet-savory glaze.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a perfect example of how a few basic ingredients can come together into something truly delicious. It’s quick to prep, packed with flavor, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. It’s one of my weeknight staples that never fails to impress.

Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating