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Sweet Garlic Baked Chicken

Want an easy chicken dinner that's both sweet and savory? These baked chicken breasts are coated with a brown sugar garlic rub and ready in just 30 minutes.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:29:31 GMT
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Two pieces of seasoned and golden-brown chicken breast are resting in a flavorful sauce. Pin it
Two pieces of seasoned and golden-brown chicken breast are resting in a flavorful sauce. | zestplate.com

Let me share my easy garlic brown sugar recipe that my family requests weekly! This homemade chicken dinner takes just minutes to prep and the results are amazing. Every bite of this easy chicken recipe is juicy, with a sticky-sweet garlic glaze that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.

The Good Stuff

What makes this homemade brown sugar chicken so special? It's the way that butter, garlic, and sugar create pure magic in the oven. My easy recipe turns regular chicken into something incredible. Even my neighbor's picky kids beg for seconds!

Shopping List

  • Chicken: My easy recipe works best with boneless breasts.
  • Butter: Key to this homemade glaze.
  • Brown Sugar: Makes our easy chicken recipe extra special.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves make this homemade dish shine.
  • Salt and Pepper: Just enough to season it right.

Kitchen Time

First Things First
Line your pan - trust me, this easy recipe clean-up will be a breeze! Season those chicken pieces real good.
Make That Glaze
For the best homemade sauce, melt butter slowly with garlic till your kitchen smells amazing.
Coat Each Piece
This easy recipe gets messy - pour that buttery mix all over and really work it in.
Bake It Up
Hot oven's the secret to this homemade chicken - 450° for about 20 minutes till it's perfect.

My Kitchen Tips

Want your easy recipe to turn out perfect? Make sure those chicken pieces are the same thickness. This homemade dish loves a meat thermometer - look for 165°. My easy chicken recipe works best when you let that glaze get a bit sticky.

Make Life Simple

The best part of this easy recipe? Make it ahead! Season the chicken, mix up that homemade glaze, then stick it in the fridge overnight. My easy chicken recipe freezes great too - just thaw and bake when you need dinner fast.

Serve It Right

This homemade chicken tastes amazing over creamy spinach. My easy recipe makes enough sauce to drizzle over rice or potatoes too. Whether it's a quick family dinner or having friends over, this easy chicken recipe never disappoints.

A close-up of four glazed chicken breasts resting in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, in a white baking dish. Pin it
A close-up of four glazed chicken breasts resting in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, in a white baking dish. | zestplate.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The top should be nicely browned.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, rub the cooled mixture on chicken, cover, and refrigerate overnight. You can also freeze it for later use.

→ Why pound the chicken breasts?

Even thickness helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dry spots or undercooked areas.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, but cooking time might need to be adjusted since thighs usually take longer to cook through.

→ Why such a high cooking temperature?

450°F helps create a nice caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Tender chicken breasts covered in a delicious garlic and brown sugar rub, then baked until golden. A quick and easy weeknight dinner favorite.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts.
02 Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
03 3 tablespoons butter.
04 4 cloves garlic, minced.
05 1/4 cup light brown sugar.
06 1 teaspoon paprika.
07 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or herbs of choice).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 450°F and line 9x13 baking dish with parchment.

Step 02

Season chicken with salt and pepper, put in baking dish.

Step 03

Melt butter with garlic in skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 04

Add brown sugar, paprika, and oregano to skillet, cook 1 minute. Let mixture cool slightly.

Step 05

Rub sugar-garlic mixture all over chicken breasts.

Step 06

Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes until brown and internal temp hits 165°F.

Notes

  1. Pound chicken to even 1-inch thickness.
  2. Can prep ahead and freeze.
  3. Thaw overnight if frozen.
  4. Can make night before and refrigerate.
  5. Great for meal prep.
  6. Watch carefully at high heat to avoid burning.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Skillet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Meat thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 264
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 24 g