Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is the ultimate answer to the age-old question: can a quick dinner be both simple and packed with flavor? With just a few pantry staples and 25 minutes, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite takeout. The brown sugar brings a touch of sweetness, while garlic and thyme add savory depth, making each bite irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this recipe delivers gourmet taste without the hassle. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Fuss-Free: On the table in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy evenings.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses common pantry items—no need for a grocery run.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweetness from brown sugar appeals to all ages.
- One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with everything baked in one dish.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Season Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, water, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Dish: Place the chicken in the prepared dish and pour the sauce evenly over each piece.
- Bake: Cook in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the caramelized sauce from the dish over each serving. Delicious over rice or noodles!
Helpful Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out.
- Even Sizes: Cut chicken breasts to uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes post-bake for juicier meat.
Substitutions And Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Swap for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Fresh Garlic: Use 2-3 cloves minced garlic instead of garlic powder for bolder taste.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Herb Swap: Try rosemary or oregano in place of thyme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in advance? Absolutely! You can mix the sauce and marinate the chicken several hours ahead of time for added flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken? For best results, thaw completely before baking to ensure even cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as all ingredients, including spices, are certified gluten-free.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken in sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Ready in just 25 minutes, it proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. Give it a try tonight and share your experience in the comments below. Plus, explore our collection of easy chicken recipes for more mealtime inspiration!
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Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner made with pantry staples. Sweet brown sugar and savory garlic combine to create a delicious glaze your family will love. Ready in just 25 minutes—give it a try tonight and share your feedback!
Ingredients
3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Season Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, water, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Dish: Place the chicken in the prepared dish and pour the sauce evenly over each piece.
- Bake: Cook in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the caramelized sauce from the dish over each serving. Delicious over rice or noodles!
Notes
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
Sauce also pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Use chicken thighs for a juicier variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 16g