Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Table of Contents

Introduction
Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Notes
Variations
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion

This Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that combines the savory richness of garlic with the sweetness of brown sugar. Perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The juicy, tender chicken is covered in a caramelized glaze that’s both sweet and savory, giving every bite an irresistible taste. Best of all, this recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it ideal for busy evenings.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make this delicious dish, including step-by-step instructions, cooking notes, variations, and keto-friendly alternatives.

Ingredients

For the Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika.
Make the Garlic Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture forms a thick glaze.
Coat the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic brown sugar mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Baste the chicken with the glaze halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Cooking Notes

Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking. You can also pound them to an even thickness for better results.
Avoid Overcooking: Be sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature to prevent overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
Garlic Browning: Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing it with the olive oil. Cook it until just fragrant, as burnt garlic can give the dish a bitter taste.

Variations

Spicy Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture for a spicy kick.
Honey Garlic Chicken: Substitute the brown sugar with honey for a different type of sweetness that pairs well with the garlic.
Add Vegetables: Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the baking dish for a complete one-pan meal.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

To make this Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken keto-friendly or low-carb, here are some adjustments:

Sweetener Substitute: Replace the brown sugar with a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to maintain the sweetness without adding carbs.
Omit Paprika (Optional): While paprika is generally low in carbs, you can omit it if you prefer a cleaner ingredient list.
Vegetable Side: Serve with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower rice, green beans, or zucchini to make the dish keto-compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook—usually around 35-40 minutes.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring not to overcook the chicken.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the garlic brown sugar mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply coat the chicken with the mixture and bake as directed.

What Should I Serve with Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple side salad. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower mash or roasted broccoli.

Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that’s sure to please the entire family. The tender chicken, coated in a rich caramelized glaze, makes for a delightful dinner that’s both easy and satisfying. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try a variation, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Try this recipe the next time you need a quick and comforting meal that’s big on flavor. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and let us know which version you love most!