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This brown sugar chicken recipe is all about the irresistible flavor, featuring juicy baked chicken breasts made with just a handful of ingredients, including brown sugar and garlic. It’s a quick and easy dinner idea, ready in just 30 minutes!
I’ve always been a big fan of baked chicken breast dinners, so I’m constantly working on ways to keep them tender and juicy—just like my baked chicken breasts, one of my all-time favorite go-to recipes!
This brown sugar chicken is another weeknight winner. It’s a quick and easy baked chicken recipe made with a touch of butter, plenty of brown sugar and garlic, and a rich, caramelized brown sugar sauce. The best part? It comes together fast with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy nights. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make extra and save some for later!
I know it’s not rocket science, but let’s be real—chicken breasts can turn out dry if they don’t get a little extra love. This recipe ensures tender, juicy chicken every time, and trust me, your entire family will love it!
Recipe Ingredients
You only need about six basic ingredients to make this brown sugar garlic chicken! Below, you’ll find a list of what you’ll need, along with some substitution tips. For the full instructions and exact measurements, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card!
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to a 1-inch thickness for even cooking and juicier results. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, more flavorful cut.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the flavors. Adjust to taste.
- Butter – Helps create the flavorful garlic and brown sugar sauce. If needed, swap with olive oil or ghee for a slightly different flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its bold, savory kick. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh is best!
- Light Brown Sugar – Creates the signature sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes in the oven. Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Paprika – Use smoked paprika for a slightly smoky flavor or chili powder for a bit of heat. Cayenne pepper would be great, too.
- Dried Oregano – Swap with thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How To Make Brown Sugar Chicken
This easy chicken dinner comes together in just a few steps with minimal prep. You’ll season the chicken, whip up a quick brown sugar garlic sauce, and let the oven do the rest. Follow the steps below for a foolproof, flavorful meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes!
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Brown Sugar Sauce: In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, paprika, and dried oregano, cooking for another minute.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, rub the mixture generously over the top of the chicken.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Take the chicken out of the oven and serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor! I like to serve it with my quick creamed spinach or with roasted vegetables and lemon rice.
To Make Ahead
You can prep this ahead by coating the chicken with the cooled brown sugar mixture, then covering and refrigerating it overnight to bake the next day. For longer storage, freeze it in a zip-top bag, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Either way, it’s ready to cook when you are!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Adjust the Spice – If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar sauce.
- Check the Cooking Time – For best results, bake until the chicken reaches 165°F using an instant read meat thermometer. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness.
- Use Chicken Thighs – Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even juicier results. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add a Crispy Finish – Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a caramelized, golden brown topping.
Serving Suggestions
This brown sugar baked chicken recipe is packed with amazing flavor and pairs well with just about any family favorite side dish. I love serving it with lemon butter green beans for a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich brown sugar sauce. A side of my freezer mashed potatoes or these fluffy dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up every drop of that sweet and savory goodness!
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, roasted Brussels sprouts or honey glazed carrots bring out the natural sweetness of the dish while adding a bit of texture. No matter how you serve it, this easy meal is delicious!
Proper Storage
Store leftover chicken properly to keep it fresh and flavorful. Once cooled, transfer the chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag for 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
More Chicken Recipes
- Garlic Sauce Chicken Thighs
- Baked Garlic Butter Chicken
- Garlic Yogurt Baked Chicken
- Pineapple Barbecue Chicken
- Spicy Sweet and Sticky Chicken Thighs
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Brown Sugar Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (about 1-inch thick)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, or any other dried herb of your choice
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and transfer them to the lined baking dish. Set aside.
- Make the brown sugar sauce. Add butter and garlic to a skillet set over medium-high heat; cook and stir until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, paprika, and seasonings; continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the sauce to the chicken breasts. Remove the brown sugar mixture from the heat and let it stand for a minute or two or until cool enough to handle. Rub the mixture all around the chicken breasts.
- Bake. Put the baking dish in the oven and bake the chicken breasts uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes, or until browned on top and the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
- Serve. Remove the brown sugar chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment
Notes
- You can prep this ahead of time by preparing it up to the point before baking it. Just let the brown sugar mixture cool down completely; then rub it all over the chicken breasts, cover the dish tightly, and pop it in the freezer.
- You can also freeze it in a gallon ziplock bag, then thaw it in the fridge overnight. When it’s time to cook, arrange the chicken breasts in a parchment-lined baking dish and cook.
- You can also prep it the night before, cover it tightly, and set it in the fridge until ready to cook the next day.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
The glaze seemed too sweet and thick, so I added a couple tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Absolutely phenomenal! I highly recommend marinating at least 4hrs.
Great tip! The lemon juice sounds like a perfect balance to cut the sweetness. I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! ๐
Amazing im eating it now.added sides of white rice and broccoli w/garlic.so good!
That sounds like a perfect meal! White rice and broccoli with garlic make for excellent sides. I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Thank YOU! ๐
Excellent and easy to make. I have again and again.
Pretty yummy, I added Red chili flakes before putting in the oven and it was perfect amount of spice! I can’t believe how juicy it was as well
I made this because the ingredients intrigued me and I have to say it flew above my expectations!! I have to say, Iโm no pro so I butchered the mixture the first time around lol. It turned solid like candy. But I decided to give it one more try and I was in love with the result.
That’s great to hear! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! ๐
I’m an amateur cook, so I didn’t know that my brown sugar had to have moisture until I already put the glaze on (it was more burnt+chunky and buttery/oily than like a glaze, like in the pictures. I feel like it would be helpful to describe it as a glaze, personally.) I think I had barely enough of the buttery stuff to put it on my chicken.. I’m strongly hoping it comes out well.
We have a family bbq coming up so Iโm curious if you have any suggestions/tips for making this and traveling with it (30 min).
Thanks!
Hi!
If it’s only a 30 minute drive, you should just keep it in an insulated container so it stays warm.