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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheating: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C), setting the stage for a caramelized chicken masterpiece.
- 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.
- Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry, ensuring a pristine surface for seasoning and optimal browning.
- Culinary Assembly: Nestle chicken in a baking dish, lavishly coating with the warm, aromatic sauce to guarantee complete flavor infusion.
- Roasting Ritual: Slide the dish into the heated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes and intermittently basting to amplify caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken has reached a safe 165F (74C) internal temperature, promising both safety and succulence.
- 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