Sweet & Savory Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Comfort meets elegance in this irresistible baked garlic brown sugar chicken that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

The harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more.

Succulent chicken pieces absorb a rich marinade that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

Each tender bite delivers a perfect balance of robust garlic and deep brown sugar undertones.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen will draw everyone to the dining table with anticipation.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Dive into this delectable dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything You Need For Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, fresh cuts with minimal moisture for crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complements the sweet-savory profile.
• Paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and beautiful golden color.

• Butter: Creates rich, luxurious texture and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-like sweetness and promotes beautiful browning.
• Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic punch and complexity to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and ensures smooth, even coating.
• Oregano: Introduces Mediterranean herbaceous notes and earthy undertones.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh flavor and vibrant green color contrast.

Best Tools For Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

• Baking Dish: Large enough to hold chicken pieces comfortably, preferably with high sides.
• Parchment Paper: Optional, helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Mixing Bowl: Small size, perfect for combining garlic brown sugar mixture.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring butter, oil, and spices.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure brown sugar and other ingredients precisely.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Paper Towels: Used for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.

Step-By-Step Guide For Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen space by setting the oven to a toasty temperature. Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of oil or line with parchment paper.

• Chicken Readiness

Gently dry the chicken pieces using a soft paper towel. Sprinkle some flavor enhancers across both sides, creating a delicious base for the upcoming magic.

• Flavor Fusion

In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter with fragrant garlic, sweet brown sugar, golden olive oil, and a touch of herbal oregano. Whisk these ingredients until they dance together in perfect harmony.

• Chicken Transformation

Lovingly drench the chicken with the prepared mixture, ensuring every inch gets a luxurious coating of the delectable sauce.

• Baking Journey

Slide the dish into the waiting oven. Let the chicken bake until it reaches a perfect golden-brown color and feels tender when touched. For an extra crispy finish, switch to broiler mode for a quick moment.

• Final Touch

Carefully remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest briefly. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and additional flavor. Serve immediately while the kitchen still smells incredible.

Tips And Adjustments For Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

• Flavor Boost Techniques: Add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar to the garlic brown sugar mixture for extra depth and complexity.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener to make the dish keto-friendly and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil instead of oregano to create different flavor profiles that complement the sweet and savory elements.
• Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result, or try the same marinade with boneless pork chops or salmon for a versatile protein option.
• Spice Level Enhancement: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the garlic brown sugar mixture to add a subtle kick and balance the sweetness for those who enjoy mild heat.

Serving Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Made Easy

• Flavor-Packed Plate Partners: Pair this sweet and savory chicken with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious garlic brown sugar sauce, creating a complete meal that delights every bite.
• Colorful Veggie Companions: Roast some crispy broccoli, honey-glazed carrots, or garlic asparagus alongside the chicken to add vibrant colors and nutritious sides that complement the rich chicken flavors.
• Fresh Herbal Finish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top right before serving to add a bright, zesty touch that cuts through the chicken's rich caramelized coating and provides a fresh contrast.
• Bread Sauce Soaker: Serve warm crusty bread or garlic dinner rolls to help guests mop up the incredible pan juices, ensuring not a single drop of the delectable sauce goes to waste.

Storage Advice For Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and tender texture.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm chicken gently in the oven at 160C (325F) covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and keep meat succulent during reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Slice chicken and freeze in separate portions inside freezer-safe containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Frozen chicken remains tasty for up to 3 months when wrapped securely and labeled with the date.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare multiple chicken portions simultaneously for easy weeknight dinners. Portion cooked chicken into individual containers with side dishes for grab-and-go lunches or quick family meals throughout the week.

Mouthwatering Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic brown sugar chicken delivers a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts glazed with caramelized garlic and brown sugar promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6–8 chicken thighs)
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 190C (375F) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Seasoning: Pat the chicken dry and generously season with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.
3. Marinade Creation: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, and oregano, whisking until a smooth, glossy marinade forms.
4. Coating: Thoroughly coat the chicken with the prepared marinade, allowing the mixture to completely envelop the meat, creating a rich, flavorful layer.
5. Roasting: Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 74C (165F). For an extra crispy exterior, activate the broiler during the final cooking minutes.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, fresh element to the dish before serving.

Notes

• Ensure Chicken Dryness: Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing crispy caramelization and better marinade absorption.
• Balanced Seasoning Strategy: Use minimal salt since brown sugar and butter already provide rich flavor complexity, preventing potential over-salting.
• Precise Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 74C internal temperature, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy chicken texture.
• Broiler Technique Mastery: Watch carefully during final broiling moments to achieve golden-brown caramelization without burning the sugary marinade.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg