Description
This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a sweet and savory garlic-brown sugar glaze. The chicken is baked at a high temperature to develop a caramelized, sticky coating while remaining juicy and flavorful. It’s a simple yet delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garlic Brown Sugar Glaze
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with olive oil or use non-stick cooking spray to prepare it for baking.
- Cooking the Garlic: In a small sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes tender and fragrant. Take care to avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.
- Creating the Glaze: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved, creating a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Preparing the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the garlic-brown sugar glaze over each piece, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Baking: Bake the chicken uncovered for 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The glaze will caramelize, forming a sticky and flavorful coating on the chicken.
- Final Touches and Serving: Remove the baked chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy, tender meat. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- To prevent the garlic from burning, keep the sauté time short and monitor the heat.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- For a more intense garlic flavor, you can add a garlic powder sprinkle before baking.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons without impacting the glaze’s texture significantly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
