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Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

Craving a dinner that’s both sweet and savory? These oven-baked chicken breasts with a garlic and brown sugar rub are done in no time—just 30 minutes!

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:55:34 GMT
Two golden-brown chicken breasts sitting in their flavorful glaze. Pin it
Two golden-brown chicken breasts sitting in their flavorful glaze. | chefmelt.com

I gotta tell you about my no-fuss garlic and brown sugar chicken that my folks ask for every week! This simple dinner needs barely any prep time and turns out fantastic. Each mouthful of this straightforward chicken dish is moist with a tacky-sweet garlic coating that seems like it's from some upscale eatery.

The Good Stuff

What's so awesome about this homestyle brown sugar chicken? It's how the butter, garlic, and sugar work together like pure kitchen magic. My quick method transforms ordinary chicken into something wonderful. Even the fussy children next door want more!

Shopping List

  • Chicken: This quick method works greatest with skinless, boneless breasts.
  • Butter: The foundation of our tasty coating.
  • Brown Sugar: Gives our simple chicken dish that special touch.
  • Garlic: Newly minced cloves really boost this homestyle meal.
  • Salt and Pepper: Just the right amount for proper taste.

Kitchen Time

First Things First
Cover your cooking tray - you'll thank me when cleanup's done! Get those chicken pieces well-seasoned all over.
Make That Glaze
For the yummiest sauce, slowly melt your butter with garlic until your house smells wonderful.
Coat Each Piece
Things get sticky here - pour that buttery mixture everywhere and rub it in good.
Bake It Up
A hot oven makes all the difference - 450° for roughly 20 minutes until everything's just right.

My Kitchen Tips

Want your quick method to come out flawless? Make sure your chicken pieces are equally thick. This homestyle meal really benefits from a meat thermometer - aim for 165°. My simple chicken dish works best when the coating gets slightly sticky.

Make Life Simple

The coolest thing about this quick method? You can prep ahead! Season your chicken, stir up that homestyle coating, then put it in the fridge till tomorrow. My simple chicken dish freezes wonderfully too - just thaw and cook when you need a fast dinner.

Serve It Right

This homestyle chicken goes perfectly with creamy spinach. My quick method creates plenty of sauce to pour over rice or potatoes as well. For everyday family meals or when company comes, this simple chicken dish always hits the spot.

A close-up of four glazed chicken breasts resting in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, in a white baking dish. Pin it
A close-up of four glazed chicken breasts resting in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, in a white baking dish. | chefmelt.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when my chicken is cooked right?

Pop in a meat thermometer and make sure the inside temp hits 165°F. Look for golden, slightly crisped skin on top.

→ Is there a way to prep this recipe ahead?

Absolutely! Rub the cooled mixture on the chicken, wrap it up, and keep it in the fridge overnight. You can toss it in the freezer as well for another time.

→ What’s the point of flattening the chicken breasts?

Leveling them out ensures they all cook evenly. This keeps the meat from drying out or staying raw in spots.

→ Could I swap chicken thighs instead?

Totally! Just keep in mind thighs take a bit longer to be cooked through, so adjust the time.

→ Why go with such a high oven temperature?

Cranking the oven up to 450°F helps seal in moisture while getting a nice caramelized crust on the outside.

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Delicious chicken baked to perfection, coated with garlicky brown sugar seasoning. A fuss-free, quick meal for your weeknight rotation.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 500g of chicken breasts, no skin or bones.
02 Season with some salt and black pepper as you like.
03 40g unsalted butter.
04 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
05 60ml of light brown sugar.
06 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
07 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, or any herb you prefer.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 230°C and line a 23x33cm baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 02

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken and lay it out in your baking dish.

Step 03

Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, then toss in the garlic.

Step 04

Stir the brown sugar, smoked paprika, and oregano into the pan. Cook briefly for about a minute, and then let it cool a bit.

Step 05

Coat the chicken breasts with the garlic and brown sugar mixture you made.

Step 06

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and reaches 74°C (check using a thermometer).

Notes

  1. Pound the chicken so it’s evenly about 2.5cm thick.
  2. You can prep it earlier and store it in the freezer.
  3. If frozen, let it defrost overnight in the fridge.
  4. Prep it the night before and keep it in the fridge until ready.
  5. Perfect for prepping your meals for the week!
  6. Keep an eye on it while baking so it doesn’t burn.

Tools You'll Need

  • A baking dish of 23x33cm.
  • A frying pan or skillet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • A thermometer for meat.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 264
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 24 g