Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a weeknight dinner game-changer! It’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. The chicken is baked in a delicious brown sugar garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory, with a hint of warmth from the dried thyme. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy your comfort food cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is so simple, anyone can make it. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or when you’re short on time.
• Flavorful and Versatile: The brown sugar garlic sauce is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and it’s delicious with chicken, pasta, or rice.
• One-Pan Wonder: This dish is made in just one pan, which means less cleanup for you.
• Healthy and Delicious: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, and this recipe is a great way to enjoy them without sacrificing flavor.

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Ingredients for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken before baking.

For the Sauce:

• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor to the sauce.
• Water: Helps to create a smooth sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a punch of garlic flavor.
• Dried Thyme: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the sauce.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
• Honey Garlic: Substitute the brown sugar with honey for a honey garlic flavor.
• Lemon Herb: Add some lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to the sauce.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the chicken before serving for a tangy twist.

How to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, water, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish and pour the brown sugar sauce over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to serving plates. Drizzle the sauce from the baking dish over the chicken.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken breasts are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through.

How to Serve

This Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is delicious with:

• Rice or Potatoes: A classic pairing!
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would be delicious alongside this chicken.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 24 hours in advance.
• Storing: Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken will generally take longer to cook than boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Can I freeze this chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken. I hope you enjoy it!

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