The kitchen was warm and full of cozy smells this evening as I brushed olive oil over chicken breasts, knowing that Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken would soon be on the table. Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken always feels like a comforting hug on busy nights—sweet, savory, and so easy. I love how this recipe calls for just a handful of pantry staples yet tastes like something special. And with a quick bake time of just about 25 minutes, I can have Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken ready for dinner that pleases everyone.. Perfect for weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want something cozy and flavorful.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few basics for this easy recipe. Gather 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil for brushing, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to season. The star sauce comes together with ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Simple pantry staples that deliver such cozy flavor.
How To Make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Step 1 — Prepare and season the chicken
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then spray your baking dish lightly with non-stick spray. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and brush both sides with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite is well-flavored.
Step 2 — Make the brown sugar garlic sauce
Next, in a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, water, garlic powder, dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. The brown sugar gives a lovely sweetness, while the garlic and thyme add cozy depth.
Step 3 — Bake and check for doneness
Now place the chicken in your prepared baking dish. Pour that sweet, savory sauce right over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part. The sauce will bubble gently, glazing the chicken beautifully.
Step 4 — Serve with pan sauce
Finally, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then transfer to plates and drizzle any extra pan sauce over the top. I like to serve this over rice or pasta so that cozy sauce has something to soak into.
Tips for Best Results
Always season your chicken well before baking for rich flavor. A meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken every time. Letting Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken rest after baking makes it even juicier when you slice into it. And that brown sugar sauce? It’s perfect drizzled over rice or roasted veggies too. For another family-favorite, try my tender Mississippi chicken recipe for easy weeknight dinners.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, microwave gently for 1-2 minutes, or warm in a 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes. This way your chicken stays moist and delicious. Leftovers also make a tasty lunch sliced into wraps—like my cheesy garlic chicken wraps perfect for a crowd.
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe Card
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Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and easy. A cozy weeknight meal with a quick bake and pantry staples.
Ingredients
3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
olive oil to brush on chicken
salt and pepper to season chicken
¼ cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and spray baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Brush olive oil over both sides of chicken, season with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, water, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Place chicken in baking dish and pour sauce over chicken.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from oven, let rest a few minutes, then drizzle pan sauce over top.
Notes
Brown sugar sauce is ideal for drizzling over rice or pasta.
Generously season chicken for more flavor.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Let chicken rest for juiciness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container 3-4 days.
Reheat gently for best results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 284mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
Related Recipes to Try
If you’re craving more easy chicken dinners, you’ll love this quick ranch chicken for a flavorful alternative. Or for something extra cozy, try my slow cooker honey garlic chicken for a sweet savory twist.
Looking for cozy meal inspiration? Find more comforting ideas on my Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/cozyrecipesbyclara/
FAQs
Do garlic and brown sugar go together?
Yes! Garlic brings a savory bite while brown sugar adds caramelized sweetness. Together, they create a perfect balance that tastes cozy and comforting.
How to tell if brown chicken is cooked?
The best way is with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Also, juices should run clear when pierced.
Can you marinate chicken with brown sugar?
Absolutely. Brown sugar can tenderize and add flavor when used in a marinade. Just remember not to let it sit too long or it might get too sweet.
What does browning do for chicken?
Browning gives chicken color and extra flavor. In this recipe, the oven creates a golden glaze thanks to the brown sugar sauce.
