Irresistible Crispy Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy garlic brown sugar chicken strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory.

The golden-brown chicken transforms an ordinary meal into a delectable experience.

Caramelized edges hint at the delightful flavor combinations waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

Every bite promises a delicious blend of garlic’s robust punch and brown sugar’s subtle sweetness.

The chicken emerges from the pan with an irresistible crunch that makes mouths water instantly.

Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

This recipe guarantees a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Baked Garlic Chicken Must-Haves

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender canvas for flavor-packed marinade, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for best results.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy foundation for sauce, select extra virgin for richer taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses depth, opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced for more vibrant flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Caramel-like sweetener creating rich glaze, prefer dark brown sugar for deeper molasses notes.
• Soy Sauce: Salty umami enhancer, choose low-sodium version to control overall saltiness.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy flavor booster, select smooth variety for seamless sauce integration.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground preferred.
• Ground Ginger: Warm, spicy undertone, use high-quality ground version for consistent flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish, pick vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Essential Tools for Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

• Baking Dish: Large, rectangular dish to hold and bake chicken evenly.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for preparing the flavorful garlic brown sugar sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring soy sauce, mustard, and spices.
• Paper Towels: Needed to pat chicken dry before seasoning.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and coating chicken.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.

Bake It: Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

• Warm Up Your Oven

Fire up your oven to 375F (190C) so it’s ready for some delicious cooking action.

• Prep the Chicken

Gently dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to give it a flavor boost.

• Whip Up the Magic Sauce

Grab a pan and splash in some olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute. Pour in brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of ground ginger. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for a few minutes, creating a mouthwatering glaze.

• Dress the Chicken

Nestle the seasoned chicken into a baking dish. Lavish it with the glossy sauce, making sure every inch gets some love.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it cook for 25-30 minutes. When it’s almost done, give the chicken a sauce shower to amp up the caramelization. Check that the internal temperature hits 165F (74C).

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for a moment. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. Pair with your favorite sides and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Flavor Notes for Sweet Garlic Chicken

• Flavor Boost: Marinate chicken for 1-2 hours before baking to deepen the garlic brown sugar infusion and tenderize the meat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and chicken up to a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick weeknight cooking.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Herb Garden Upgrade: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed into the sauce for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.

Plate It Up Right

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this sweet and savory chicken with fluffy white rice or quinoa to catch all the delicious sauce.
• Veggie Companion Plate: Roast some colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus alongside the chicken for a balanced, nutritious meal.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top to add a bright, crisp element that cuts through the rich, caramelized sauce.
• Crispy Side Kick: Serve with a light coleslaw or green salad to provide a crunchy contrast to the tender, glazed chicken.

Store Garlic Chicken

• Smart Portioning Strategy: Divide cooked chicken into individual meal-sized portions using airtight containers, perfect for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks.
• Chilled Storage Technique: Refrigerate leftover chicken in sealed containers for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap cooled chicken tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, which allows storage up to 2 months without compromising flavor or quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in microwave using 30-second intervals, adding a tablespoon of extra sauce to prevent dryness and restore original juiciness.

Crispy Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent baked garlic brown sugar chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Home cooks can easily create this delightful main dish with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• 4–6 chicken thighs
• 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C), setting the stage for a caramelized chicken masterpiece.
2. Sauce Crafting: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then whisk in brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and ground ginger, simmering for 3-4 minutes to create a glossy, flavor-packed elixir.
3. Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry, ensuring a pristine surface for seasoning and optimal browning.
4. Culinary Assembly: Nestle chicken in a baking dish, lavishly coating with the warm, aromatic sauce to guarantee complete flavor infusion.
5. Roasting Ritual: Slide the dish into the heated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes and intermittently basting to amplify caramelization and depth of flavor.
6. Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken has reached a safe 165F (74C) internal temperature, promising both safety and succulence.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow chicken a brief respite to redistribute juices, then garnish with fresh parsley and present alongside complementary accompaniments.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Carefully: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to prevent soggy texture and ensure crisp, caramelized exterior during baking.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly to develop deep, rich flavors and create a glossy coating that adheres perfectly to chicken without becoming runny.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety and juicy meat.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar in low-glycemic diets, and use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free versions without compromising delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg